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MEMORIAL 


SAMUEL HALL WALLEY. 


BOSTON: 
PRINTED BY T. R. MARVIN & SON. 
1866. 











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THIS TRIBUTE 
TO THE 


MEMORY OF AN HONORED PARENT 


“4 
IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 


TO HIS 


BELOVED GRAND-CHILDREN. 








MEMORIAL. 


Samuzt Hart Waxtey, the subject of the fol- 
lowing pages, was the son of Thomas Walley, mer- 
chant, of Boston, and Sarah Hurd. He was born 
April 12, 1778, in the house which at that time stood 
upon the corner of Federal and Franklin Streets. Part 
of the ground on which it stood was afterwards appro- 
priated for the first Roman Catholic church in Boston. 
It is now occupied by stores. . 

- Samuel was the youngest of five children, one of 
whom died in infancy. Of the others, Thomas, 
Charles, and Sally Hurd, frequent mention is made in 


the pages of his Diary. 


- Some of you for whom these pages have been pre- 
pared, will be able to recall the form of one who, 
had he lived to know you, would have been to each a 
loved and most loving Grand-parent. Most of you 
have been taken in his arms, and we may safely say, 


* 


at 
are 


6 
that his heartfelt prayers went up to heaven that you 
might be early numbered in the fold of the Good 


Shepherd. Some from among you, some sweet lambs 


of that fold, and one who had openly confessed her 


Saviour before the world, he has, we doubt not, met 
in the green pastures of that “better land,” where 
‘‘ partings and death shall divide hearts no more.” 
How well he loved the young, and how large a portion 
of his time, during many years, was devoted to labors 
for their happiness and improvement, these pages will 
tell you in his own words. How greatly it would 
have rejoiced that living heart to know that he was to 
be made an instrument of good to those so nearly and 
tenderly allied to him, we who knew him best alone 
can understand. It is with this view that this collec- 
tion of some of his writings has been made, that he, 
‘being dead,’ may yet speak to you words of affec- 
tionate counsel and heavenly wisdom. 


The countenance of a friend long known, and 
tenderly loved, never wholly fades from memory— 
long years of separation cannot efface that picture 
which has been indelibly fixed upon the heart. And 
yet how fondly we prize, and how sacredly we 
treasure the picture upon which we may look with 
our bodily eyes, dwelling upon each loved feature, 
and recalling at will every changing expression. 

The following pages are only an attempt to preserve, 
in a suitable frame, a picture of a friend drawn by 


his own hand—that we may not lose altogether, in the. 


Pe cic ae peel ." 
eee gee eS ae 





7 


lapse of years, the outline of those beloved features 
quickening and nerving us to duty, 


‘* Alluring us to brighter worlds,” 


to which he has led the way. 

The original of this simple sketch was one of the 
most unassuming of men, though his manners were 
ever those of a polished Christian gentleman, kindly 
and genial in social intercourse, of a cheerful and 
contented spirit, cultivated by an ever-deepening sense 
of gratitude to his Heavenly Benefactor. 

In early life, his slight form and apparent delicacy, 
gave but little promise of a vigorous manhood. The 
tender cares of a devoted mother, which he repaid 
with the fondest affection, doubtless contributed much 
towards invigorating his constitution, and through life 
his veneration for her memory was strongly marked. 
The tender emphasis with which he was wont to 
repeat the lines from his favorite poet, Cowper, ‘ On 
the receipt of my mother’s picture,” showed how 
warm was the response to them in his own breast. 

At an early period the pages of his Diary, (com- 
menced when only nineteen years of age,) show a con- 
scientious desire to know what was right, and to do 
it—a kind and affectionate disposition, and great 
purity and guilelessness of nature. He chose for 
companions those whose society was profitable as well 
as pleasing, and his friendships were warm and 
lasting. 

His love for reading was satisfied by access to the 


8 


works of the best English authors, in prose and verse, 
and in connection with other friends of his own age, 
he found improving occupation for his evening hours 
in writing for the papers, (which at that time were 
only weekly,) articles on commerce and on the passing 
events of the times. 

Later in life, when engaged in the engrossing pur- 
suits of business, his weary and often overtaxed frame, 
found refreshment by his own loved fireside, reading 
aloud works entertaining and instructive, or penning a 
sprightly or consoling letter to some absent friend. 

He ever found delight in the society of cultivated 
and Christian minds, and in welcoming such to his 
house, would often say, “ We know not but we may 
be entertaining angels unawares.” 

In such intercourse, his cheerful, genial spirit 
_ showed itself in the relation of amusing anecdotes, or 
pleasant reminiscences. His very “ failings leaned to 
virtue’s side.” None ever yearned more ardently to 
repair an error into which a sanguine nature might 
sometimes lead him, or endured with more Christian 
patience and submission the chastening of that wise 
Providence which apportions to each soul the “ need 
be” of earthly discipline—that chastening ‘‘ now for 
the present not joyous, but grievous,” but which in his 
case, as in that of every true disciple, assuredly 
worked out “ the peaceable fruits of righteousness.” 

Being led in youth to seek and find the true riches, 
and having experienced the sustaining power of the 
truths he embraced, during seasons of varied and 








3 


severe trial, he came out of the furnace fires, purified 
and strengthened, for a more unreserved consecration 
to the service of that divine Redeemer whom he 
never shrunk from confessing before men. As he 
grew in years, time became increasingly precious in his 
estimation, and he sought earnestly to redeem it, and 
to make every hour tell in the progress of some 
«‘ work of high and holy love.” 

The Sabbath School cause presented facilities for 
the accomplishment of this desire, which he highly 
valued and diligently improved ; and we cannot but 
believe that of the large numbers thus brought within 
the sphere of his influence, many will hereafter “rise 
up and call him blessed.” To this end, his two years’ 
residence abroad, (undertaken for the health of a 
member of his family,) was most industriously occu- 
pied with seeing and hearing whatever might be turned 
to account for the pleasure or profit of those whom he 
might in any way reach by his influence. Some who 
were brought within that influence there, it is believed, 
look to him as the instrument of leading them to 
receive the Messiah whom their fathers crucified, as 
their Saviour, and to prove their faith by a consistent 
life. 

The house of affliction or bereavement always 
attracted him, and his words of sympathy and Chris- 
tian counsel and hope, were so evidently the language 
of experience, that they seldom failed at least to 
comfort and sustain, even where they could not heal. 
In such seasons, the beautiful hymns of Watts and 


10 


Cowper and Newton, long familiar to his memory, 
were often the readiest and most acceptable form of 
imparting consolation and peace. How many of these 
sweet poems have acquired a new beauty and meaning 
as associated with the tones of that dear voice, so full 
of a loving sympathy ! 

We give the first line of a few of his favorites. 
Among Cowper’s hyms, 


‘*O Lord, my best desires fulfil,” 
‘¢ God moves in a mysterious way,” 
‘¢O for a closer walk with God,” 


‘¢ Jesus, lover of my soul,” 


and among those of Watts, 
‘¢ There is a land of pure delight,” 


‘* When I survey the wondrous cross,” 
‘¢Stand up my soul, shake off thy fears,” 
‘¢ When I can read my title clear,” 


and among Newton’s, 


‘¢ Why should I fear the darkest hour,” 
‘‘ Begone, unbelief, my Saviour is near,” 
“*T asked the Lord that I might grow.” 


It is pleasant to look back at this distance of time 
to. very early childhood, and to see again the beloved 


forms of “parents passed into the skies,” as arm and — 


arm they walked the well-remembered parlor of the 
old home, repeating alternately these hymns; how 
lasting the impression of such scenes upon the mind 





ee ee ee ee en ee a a ee ee ee | 





11 


of a child! the looks, the very tones, how they come 
back, stealing their gentle way through all the gales 
and storms of years, and breathing over our listening, 
Waiting hearts, the soothing influence of those same 
words, 


‘« There is a land of pure delight, 
Where saints immortal reign, 
Infinite day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain.” 


And fora little season the radiance of those upper 
skies streams down upon our pathway. 

He was fond of embracing interesting occasions, 
such as birth-days, wedding-days, or times of sorrow, 
when the heart is specially susceptible to impression, 
as opportunities for addressing what might prove “a 
word in season.” 

Many a little book or trifling remembrance, with a 
kind note of sympathy, and perhaps of counsel, has 
thus planted precious seed, to spring up in after years, 
and bear fruit. 

Says a dear friend who knew and loved him, “I 
have been looking over some of those notes and letters 
written by the dear sainted one so long ago, yet 
still as fresh and fragrant with affection, as if dated 
but yesterday. Few who have not written for the 
press have used their pens to better purpose. I 
wonder when I think of it, at the simplicity and 
sweetness with which he could address himself to 
children and young people, and that he could find 


12 


time, even in foreign lands, amid many objects to 
distract, to write with so much care to those who had 
so little claim upon him.” ‘ ! 

The earliest recollections of the writer are connected 
with the removal by death of the beloved wife and 
mother, from the happy home circle, which (although 
for many years an invalid) she had ever brightened by 
her presence. The tender and devoted affection, so 
long manifested for her, was henceforth transferred to 
the children now bereft of her care, her counsels and 
her prayers. Father—mother—friend—were united 
in him, so far as it was possible for these relations to 
be thus filled. No harsh word or tone can be recalled 
in all the years that followed, but in gentleness of 
speech, and a spirit of cheerful contentment and Chris- 
tian resignation, his example was truly worthy of 
imitation,—it was indeed a living illustration of * the 
power of godliness.” 

While the influence of a life so consistent, a walk 
so pure and heavenly, can never fade from our mem- 
ories, or cease to be cherished among those treasures 
which will survive the decay of all earthly things—it 
may be permitted us long blessed with an affection so 
tender and true and self-sacrificing, to bear a testimony 
which must be equally a pleasure to us, and a duty to 
those who shall come after us, since it is to the honor 
of His grace who called, justified, and now, we trust, 
has forever glorified him with Himself. 








15 


The Diary from which we make some extracts, was 
commenced in 1797, when the writer was but nineteen 
yeats of age. These extracts will reveal the spirit 
with which he regarded the varying scenes of life, 
and the gradual ripening of his character. 

Repeated attacks of a nature which greatly pros- 
trated his strength, (profuse bleeding from the nose,) 
led him early to serious reflection, and to consider his 
own hold on life, as frail. This consciousness led him 
to turn heavenward for strength and guidance, and 
prayer became to him in the language of the hymn he 
loved, ‘his vital breath, his native air.’ No circum- 
stances were allowed to abridge ‘these sacred seasons. 
Whether starting upon a journey, or detained by social 
enjoyments, the hours of sleep were shortened, but 
never the intercourse he so dearly prized. <A great 
number of little papers containing a few short petitions, 
under different circumstances, show the constant bent 
and tenor of his mind. 


1797. February 22. This being the birth-day of 
George Washington, the morning was ushered in by a 
discharge of cannon and the ringing of bells; the firing 
continued at short intervals all the day. A vast number 
of respectable citizens partook of an elegant entertain- 
ment at Concert Hall, where Federal toasts were drank 
in abundance. Several other dinners were given in 
various parts of the town. At night the Columbian 
Museum, Haymarket and Federal Street Theatres, all 
strove to outdo each other in marks of respect to our 


beloved President. At the Federal Street Theatre, 
2 


14 


transparent paintings of arches, flowers, &c., were ex- 
hibited in front of the building. In the middle of the 
largest arch the letter W, about three feet long, was 
suspended from the top, and the different colored lamps 
placed behind, gave the whole a very pleasing and beau- 
tiful appearance. The entertainments inside were well- 
chosen for the occasion. The comedy was well per- 
formed, and its name, ‘**The Man of Ten Thousand,” 
was extremely apropos for the occasion. ‘The Masonic 
Festival, the Equestrian Statue of Washington, the 
Eulogy on Freemasonry, ‘the Secret Discovered” by 
Mrs. Williamson, the dances by Mons. Lege, &c., were all 
highly diverting, and conducted with the strictest pro- 
priety. In the Pantomime, the performers being all in 
a row, they at the same time held up each a letter, which 
as they stood, formed the words ‘‘ Liberty and Indepen- 
dence.” The next they held up was as sudden as un- 
expected and pleasing—the word Washington! Behind 
instantly arose, ‘‘ He ne’er shall be forgot.” Behind 
that, ‘* Huzza!” These words were all composed of 
elegant gold letters, about a foot long. 

23. A splendid Ball was given this evening at the 
Assembly Room, Federal Street, in honor of George 
Washington, succeeded by the most superb supper ever 
served to a Boston Company. Mrs. Adams, (the lady of 
the Vice President,) Governor Gill, the Judges of the 
Supreme Court, &c., honored the assembly with their 
presence. : 

24. Went to the Federal Street Theatre this even- 
ing. Performances were Comedy of “The Young 
Quaker, or Fair Philadelphia.” ‘The Rural Fete and 
Wedding Day.” ‘Ticket in box No. 2, received from 
Mr. Amory. 


i. 


ae eee ee 








15 


March 10. Went to the play this evening, where the 
Tragedy of Mr. White’s, called ‘‘ Orlando, or Parental 
Persecution,” was performed to a brilliant and applaud- 
ing assembly, who testified their approbation of every 
line by continued clapping and huzzas. The Entertain- 
ments were, Ballet of ‘* La Boiteuse ” and ‘‘ Peeping Tom 
of Coventry.” Sat in Pit. 

April 5. Extremely warm for the season. Mem. Ma 
and Charles went to Mr. Pigeon’s farm at Newton this 
day—set off about half past nine, A. M., and got home 
about five, P. M. 

10. Mem. Uncle John Hurd received this day a letter 
from a Mr. Nickols, at Halifax, giving him an account of 
the death of Uncle Jacob Hurd, x. 71, who departed 
this life on Wednesday, the 22nd February last, and was 
interred on the Sunday following. 

12. Permit me, oh my Heavenly Father, to offer to 
Thee my most unfeigned thanks for the goodness which 
Thou hast been pleased to extend towards me, from the 
hour of my birth to the present moment. 

I thank Thee, that Thou hast suffered me to live to 
complete nineteen years since Thou sawest fit to place 
me in this world; every instant of which has been a 
monument of thy mercy. Thou hast relieved me in 
every difficulty, Thou hast been my guardian in every 
danger, Thou hast repeatedly raised me from the bed of 
sickness, Thou hast preserved me from pestilence, Thou > 
hast protected me by day and watched over me by night, 
and oh, what unfit returns have I made Thee for such 
liberality ; how badly have I rewarded Thee for such 
inestimable favors. Make me hereafter more thankful, 
and enable me to discharge my duty towards Thee in a 
more suitable and acceptable manner than I have ever 


16 


yet done. Continue, oh my God, Thy kindness to me, 
forsake me not, for if Thou dost desert me, I am an out- 
cast indeed. , 

O God, I pray Thee to avert from this at present 
happy land, every impending danger ; shield and protect 
it from the blows of its secret adversaries. Let present 
difficulties be surmounted by a mutual accommodating 
spirit ; let not the horrid cry of war be heard within our 
streets, but let blessed peace and tranquillity reign 
triumphant in its stead. Guard our city from every 
danger, protect it from all enemies; when we retire to 
our beds, may we not be under these dreadful apprehen- 
sions from fire which have so recently been the case. 
Consign to endless darkness those base incendiaries who, 
for the sake of plunder, hesitate not to wrap a city in 
flames, and destroy that property which perhaps is the 
hard earnings of an industrious citizen. 

Cherish and protect my parents in their declining 
years. Favor them with better health than they have 
lately had, establish it to them, and let their latter days 
not be ruffled with the pains of disease, nor the cross 
accidents of this life. Continue thy goodness to my 
brothers and sisters ; wilt Thou assist them in weathering 
the storms of adversity, a portion of which falls to every 
one’s share. I commit them and myself to that God 
who delights in mercy, whose *‘ ways are pleasantness 
and whose paths are peace.” 

16. My father in the morning had a note up for the 
death of my mama’s eldest brother Jacob. 

May 1i. Though the morning was delightful, not a 
cloud to obscure the face of day, and a gentle refreshing 
breeze from the 8. W., yet indolence gained the victory, 
and I sluggardly hugged my pillow till past 8 o’clock. 








17 


Immediately on rising, those excellent lines of Thomp- 
son, ‘* Falsely luxurious will not man awake,” pressed on 
my mind with such force that at this moment I feel 
almost resolute enough to say that when I am well the 
Sun shall never gild the eastern horizon but in my 
presence. 

12. On being awaked this morning, I instantly recol- 
lected my laziness yesterday, and so far obtained an 
advantage over my enemy Morpheus, as to get up at half 
past six. 

15. By a Proclamation of President Adams some 
time since, the Congress of the United States of America 
are to assemble in the city of Philadelphia this day. 
May the finger of Omnipotence point to the adoption of 
such measures as shall be for the glory of God, the. 
rights of this people, and the honor and dignity of our 
Government. May the arm of Heaven be stretched out 
to cause those measures to be executed in a proper 
manner, and may the Majesty of the Almighty awe the 
enemies of our happiness and the disturbers of our tran- 
quillity to such a degree, that they may be led to abandon 
those plans and purposes which would involve America 
in the horrors and miseries of a destructive war. , 
21. Last evening came from New York, and was this 
day issued from the Centinel office, the speech of our 
illustrious President, John Adams, to the Congress of the 
United States, specially called together by him to act on 
matters of the greatest moment, no less than to deter- 
mine whether we will remain free and independent 
citizens, or bow the supple knee of subjection, and become 
at once crouching, insignificant, detested slaves to the 
Government of France. 

June 28. This morning, death cropped in its beauty a 

¥ 


18 


fair, beloved flower, the solace of a widowed mother, 


and the darling of a fond circle of sisters and friends. — e 


Mr. C. T. Hubbard, aged 18 years, on the night of the 
23d instant, was taken suddenly with a violent nervous 
fever, which at four o’clock this morning put an end to 
his existence. This early death of a person with whom 
I was so well acquainted, and in whose neighborhood I 
have lived for upwards of a year, has a peculiar call and 
with emphasis proclaims, ‘* Be ye also ready.” O God, 
we know not what a day may bring forth. Fit and 
prepare us for any event of thy providence, and when 
the grim tyrant summons a surrender, may we not be 
found wanting. 


‘*Death’s shafts fly swift, whose turn it next may be 
Thou’st wisely ordered, none of us should see. 

A prompt obedience to thy will we owe, 

And those shall early reap, who early sow. 

Great God, whene’er my soul shall quit this clay, 
Wilt Thou receive it into realms of day.” 


July 4. Anniversary of American Independence. The 
Cavalry recently established in this town, made their first 
public appearance this day, and escorted Governor 
Sumner from and to his seat in Roxbury. It promises 
to be a useful engine in protecting and defending the 
liberties of the citizens of America. Though yet in its 
infancy, the eye that glances into futurity can foretell its 
rising importance and prophesy of the mighty deeds 
which shall be done by them hereafter. 

8. At noon (for the first time) ascended into the 
cupola of the new State House, and spent an hour there 
in surveying the noble prospect from that superb building. 





19 


In one of the N. E. pannels, I wrote with a pencil Ludo- 
vico Look-forward, 8th July, 1797, W. H.S. W. with 
the following: May this stupendous structure, raised by 
the liberality of Massachusetts, be viewed by posterity as 
the gift of their ancestors, and while they feel grateful 
for such a rich inheritance, may they imitate the virtues 
and follow the examples of the illustrious patriots of this 
memorable century ; may they never forget that their 
liberties are derived from the unparalleled exertions of a 
Washington, an Adams, and a Hancock. 

October 21. To-day the frigate ‘‘ Constitution” moved 
in her appointed element with ease and safety, and to the 
complete satisfaction and pleasure of numerous specta- 
tors. ‘The thunder of applause echoed from shore to 
shore, and almost drowned the voice of roaring cannon 
which immediately succeeded the launch. The con- 
course of spectators was great. I should not exaggerate 
were I to state them at 20,000. 


1798. January 11. At noon to-day the different 
branches of the State Legislature walked in procession 
' to the new State House, and took possession of it. Dr. 
Thacher prayed very finely on the occasion. The House 
of Representatives, before leaving the old building, voted 
that the front seat, (the best in the new State House,) 
should be presented to the Boston members. This flat- 
tering mark of attention was acknowledged by Dr. Eustis 
- in behalf of the Boston seat, after they had entered the 
new house. 
February 2. Went from home after dinner at half past 
three ; stopped at my friend Harris’s about fifteen min- 
| «« utes, and from thence went to the store. I had not been 
there more than fifteen minutes, when the dreadful alarm 





- ye) ee 
oT “) 
Le 


20 


a 


of Fire called me out, and when I arrived near it, behold 
it was the Federal Street Theatre, a building within 
thirty feet of my father’s house. As I perceived it, my 
feet refused to perform their wonted office, and I should 
have fallen, had not the peculiarly distressing situation 
of my dear mama roused my-sense, and left me sufficient 
strength to be a spectator of the scene, anticipating what I 
believed must inevitably ensue. But, heaven be praised ! 
The wind being at W.S. W. rendered it just possible 
for people to remain on the top of the stable and kitchen 
and to wet every part of the roof. In the midst of this 
truly dreadful business, sister Phillips came from her 
house, quite unattended; she fainted, was revived by the 
assistance of the Misses Hall, and came circuitously to 
our house, and then fainted again, but seeing mama 
more comfortable than she had reason to expect, and the 
danger of our house taking fire momentarily decreasing, 
she soon became composed. The wind got W. N. W. at 
11 P. M., and shifted at 3 A. M. to N. N. W., which 
again exposed us to considerable danger from sparks 
blowing under the eaves of the house. However, 
brothers Thomas, Charles and myself sat up the whole 
night, and we were out of danger at 9 A.M. I was 
very stiff and quite unwell this morning, walked out 
for two or three hours, but did not go to the store all 
day. 

7. This morning my father purchased of Mr. William 
Welch a farm in Brookline, containing 33 acres of land, 
with stock, &c., for all of which he paid $7,000. The 

farm is five miles distant from Boston. 

July 29. Sunday. Died at2 P.M. to-day, Mr. Robert. 
Paine, (son of Judge R. T. Paine.) This, with the * 
melancholy instances of sudden death which have occur- 


+ 


9 








21 


red within the week past, are solemn and affecting warn- 
ings to the living. How frail alas is man! 


**'To-day he puts forth 
The tender leaves of hope; to-morrow blossoms 
And bears his blushing honors thick upon him; 
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost.” 


How precarious the tenure by which life is held! The 
sun which rises upon our health, our comforts and our 
joys, may to us, have no setting ! 

51. At6 A. M., went in our chaise to Brookline, and 
from thence to Dedham, accompanied by ma and brother 
Charles in another chaise,— arrived at Mr. Ferrole’s 
about 10 A. M., and brother and sister Phillips reached 
there about half an hour after. About twelve o’clock, 
Mr. Haven (the minister at Dedham) united my brother 
Thomas in the bands of matrimony with Miss Elizabeth 
Feroline. 

August 27. At11A.M., I left Boston on account of 
the fever which is prevalent there, and came to the farm. 

October 6. This afternoon I finished reading the 
*¢ Tliad” of Homer as translated by the inimitable Pope. 
Too inexperienced to form an accurate judgment, and 
conscious of my inability to criticise, I can only in gene- 
ral terms, extol it for sublimity of imagination, morality 
of sentiment, and splendor of diction. 

11. Rode with Elijah in the chaise down as far as 
Bayley the Baker’s, on Roxbury Neck, called at Mr. 
Hunting’s, and learned that my aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Walley, (relict of my late uncle, Rev. John Walley,) 
‘expired this morning. She was seventy-one years of age 
on the 4th September last. * * * * * 





22 


18. Attended this afternoon the funeral of my late 
aunt, Mrs. E. Walley. Her remains were deposited in a 
tomb in Roxbury burying ground, and from thence con- 
veyed in the evening to my father’s family tomb in Boston 
Common burying ground. Her pall-bearers were Rev. 
Dr. Howard, Rev. Mr. West, Rev. Dr. Lathrop, Dr. 
Tappan, (Professor of Divinity,) Rev. Dr. Eliot, and 
Rev. Dr. Eckley. 

18. The “ Boston Light Infantry” Company, com- 
posed of young men under twenty-one years, commanded - 
by Daniel Sargent, Jr., made their first public appear- 
ance this day. They were in perfect uniform, and the 
choice of it discovered superior taste. At half past 
eleven they received from Mrs. Stephen Higginson, Jr., 
through the hands of her husband, an elegant standard, 
for which they gave three cheers, and then marched to 
the Common. Their Captain gave them a superb enter- 
tainment at Concert Hall. 

28. Sunday. Went in our chaise with Mary (a 
domestic) over to the farm. Dined there, and at 4 
P. M., left it with brother Charles. 

December 2. Sunday. Mem. This afternoon were en- 
tombed the remains of Mr. Daniel Rea, husband of my 
aunt Rea. He was eighty-seven years of age. He died 
on the evening of last Wednesday. 

31. Great Parent of the universe, permit me, with 
the deepest contrition, to approach Thy Throne, to offer 
up my acknowledgements for Thy past goodness, and my 
petitions for a continuance of Thy protection. Vain 
would be the attempt to enumerate the blessings Thou 
hast bestowed on me in the progress of the last year. 
From the distressing calamity which lately visited this 
town, Thou hast preserved me and my connections. 








23 


Through Thy bounty we are supplied with the con- 
veniences and many of the delights of life. And Thou 
hast given me in the course of the last year more health 
than I remember to have enjoyed for many preceding 
ones. 

Wilt Thou, who art the great Physician, look with an 
eye of pity on the situation of my dearest mother, and 
oh, if it be consistent with Thy great designs, restore her 
to health ; let her usefulness be continued to her friends, 
and spare her for many years to come. 

Continue kindly to support my father under the pressure 
of his years and of those infirmities incident to age. 

Cease not, Beneficent Author of Good, to guide and 
protect my brothers and sisters, in the paths Thou hast - 
destined them to pursue. 

May we all have it in our power at the close of our 
pilgrimage, to reflect upon lives well spent in the service 
of our Maker, and in the advancement of our neighbor’s 
happiness, always remembering that ‘no life is more 
pleasing to God, than that which is useful to man.” 

Wilt Thou still preserve me through the approaching 
year, and those which may succeed, (if Thou shouldst 
continue me so long,) and in every situation in which by 
Thy providence I may be placed, wilt Thou yield me that 
support and assistance which man at his best estate, and 
youth in an eminent degree, so incessantly requires. 


1799. January 1. Mem. Brother T. W.,Jr., with his 
wife, came in town this morning and dined with us. At 8 
P. M., I went to Dearborn’s Hall and attended a lecture 
by John Stewart, the traveler, introductory to a course of 
lectures which he proposes to deliver on the Human 
Understanding. 


24 


10. Mem. My mother was delirious this afternoon 
and evening for the first time during her illness. — 

13. Sunday. Went to Dr. Howard’s meeting this 
morning. A Mr. Stone preached from Matt. v. 16. 
My father and children asked by note the ys: of the 
W. B. Society this morning. 

21. Mem. Cousin Nabby Langdon watched with ma 
last night, and breakfasted with us this morning. Spent 
the evening with my friend, C. Sigourney, Jr., at. his 
father’s store. Mem. Sister Phillips omitted spending 
this day with us. She has been with us every day for 
near a fortnight past. 

31. Hired this day of Messrs. Furness & Walley, 
Store No. 34, Long Wharf, rent to commence on 2nd 
February next, at $300 per year, allowing them the use 
of the third story. 

April 13. Walked before breakfast to the end of Long 
Wharf and in the Mall with my friend, C. S., Jr. This — 
evening bade adieu to the store of my respected friend, 
Mr. T. C. Amory, in capacity of apprentice; in whose 
counting room I have spent many happy hours, and in 
which I have obtained the knowledge I possess of mer- 
cantile affairs. 


The failing health of his mother is frequently refer- 
red to with deep solicitude. The sad event, which 
removed her from a large circle by whom she was 
greatly beloved, is here recorded. | 


April 16. My mother breathed her last at a quarter past 
five P. M. I trust and sincerely believe, that she is now 
happy in heaven, and in full communion with her God 
and Saviour. To eulogize the character of my departed 








25 


mother in the manner it deserves, would be a task impos- 
sible for me toperform. Her virtues are deeply engraven 
on my mind, and to imitate all her amiable Christian 
qualities, is now my only duty. O God, it is Thou who 
sendest afflictions as well as blessings. May this solemn 
and distressing event make such an impression on my 
mind, as shall inspire me more than ever with a love of 
religion, virtue and holiness. May I ever be prepared to 
meet death, as [ know not how soon or how suddenly it 
may overtake me. My dear departed parent was born 
24th January, 1738. 

20. This afternoon were entombed the remains of my 
dear and honored mother. The pall bearers were 
Samuel Eliot, Esq., Henry Hill, Esq., Stephen Gorham, 
Esq., Samuel Salisbury, Esq., Doctor Aaron Dexter and 
Sema Tiniips, Jr, Esq7 * * *  * -* 


Thou God of love will sure indulge 
The flowing tear, the heaving sigh, 
When righteous persons fall around, 
When tender friends and kindred die. 


Parent and Husband, guard and guide, 
O God, Thou art each name in one; 
On Thee we cast our every care, 

And comfort seek from Thee alone. 


May 5. Sunday. Went to Dr. Thacher’s meeting this 
afternoon. Dr. Thacher’s text: was in Ephesians, v. 16. 
Mem. Saw brother Phillips’s' daughter baptized, her 
name, Sarah Hurd, being the original name of my dear 
departed mother, and named particularly for her. 

31. Attended the meeting of the ‘Charitable Fire 
Society” at the Chapel this afternoon, and heard John 

3 


26 


Davis, Esq., deliver an address; also, heard Mr. Paine’s 
new song, ‘“‘ To Arms,” sung by Mr. Rea. | 

June 7. Increase Sumner departed this life in the | 
fifty-third year of his age. He was amiable in every 
department of society. His life was a public blessing, 
his death is a public calamity. He has left an affectionate 
family with numerous friends to lament his exit, and the 
Commonwealth to mourn the departure of an able and 
extraordinarily worthy chief magistrate. He was truly — 
‘¢ a Christian from inquiry, and a Patriot from principle.” 

12. This afternoon were deposited in the Common 
Burying Ground, the remains of his late Excellency 
Governor Sumner. The splendor of the funeral proces- 
sion has perhaps never been equalled in this town. The 
spectators were extremely numerous. ‘The colors of the 
shipping in port were half-mast. Minute guns were > 
fired from 1 P. M. until 7. The loss of Governor Sum- 
ner is truly great and distressing. 

August 6. Rose at half past five this morning. 
Wind 8. W. Walked in the Mall before breakfast. 
In the evening, walked in the old Mall, where I met my 
friend Jonathan P , with his amiable sister M., whom 
J joined at the latter part of their walk. : 

7. Dined with sister P., at her house alone. (Mr. P. 
dined at William P.’s, Esq.) At three-quarters past five 
P. M., went with brother Phillips in his chaise, about 
four eniles out, Dorchester road ; returning, were a 
in a shower by Mr. Morton’s villa. 

12. Walked in the Mall alone, sransteniia upon 1b 
important subject which absorbs all my attention. 





A deep and reverential regard for the Scriptures is 
apparent at this early period. This regard increased 








27 


with years and the diligent study of the sacred page. 
He read in connection with them various Commenta- 
ries then most in use. Doddridge, Scott, McKnight, 
Henry, were attentively and carefully pondered with 
ever-growing enjoyment and profit. 


October 13. Sunday. Finished reading to-day the 
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, which I 
began the 27th June, 1797. This is the first time I ever 
went regularly through them. Not versed in the intrica- 
cies of theology, and but a pupil in the school of argu- 
ment, it would exceed the narrow capacities of my mind 
to adduce in logical order my reasons for the faith that is 
inme. But my sincere belief is that the New Testament, 
of itself, is sufficient to direct the conduct of man ; that 
it teaches all the duties of the Christian, and that the 
hopes which it exhibits to believers of a future and blessed 
state beyond the grave are sufficiently bright and alluring 
to strengthen, to encourage and to animate all those who 
attentively consider, or seriously weigh them. I believe 
it to be the Word of God, spoken to a fallen world 
through Jesus Christ His blessed Son, and man’s adorable 
Redeemer. I earnestly beseech my Heavenly Father to 
suffer the truths which I have studied, to sink deep into 
my soul; to inspire me with‘a greater reverence for His 
glorious name, and with a more ardent affection for the 
crucified Saviour, whose atonement for the sins of man- 
kind was conceived in the most exalted love, and wrought 
by the sacrifice of his own precious blood. The guilt of 
man was expiated by this free-will offering ; the burden 
of our iniquity Jesus sustained upon the cross, and 
cleansed us from sin by the sacrifice of his life. ‘Through 


28 oy) 


Christ, the blessed and acceptable Mediator, may I 
approach the Majesty of the Most High, and with sincere 
contrition ask His pardoning mercy and assisting grace. 
Whether in sickness or in health, in life or in death, I am 
in Thy hands, Eternal Father, and wilt Thou afford me — 
that protection, counsel, relief and support which at all 
periods in life, I shall so eminently require. 

November 14. Brother Thomas and wife, with brother 
and sister Phillips and children, dined with us this — 
day. | 

15. Brother Thomas, with his wife and child, returned 
for Dedham this afternoon. Spent the evening at, sister 
Phillips’s, in company with William Phillips, Jr., Esq., 
and lady, and Miss Miriam Phillips, (my amiable and 
lovely friend,) Widow Phillips, Mrs. Samuel Cooper and 
Miss Sally Wendell. Went home with Mrs. Cooper and 
Miss Wendell. 

December 4. Mem. Attended the Federal St. hentét 
this evening, (for the first time this season,). Sat in box 
No. 6, with my friend J. P. The play was Shakespeare’s 
first part of King Henry Fourth, or the humors of Sir 
John Falstaff. 

20. Clear and cold. About 9 A. Mt. set off for Ded- 
ham, in pa’s sleigh, with brother Phillips’s horse, accom- 
panied by brother Phillips ; reached Dedham about quar- _ 
ter past eleven, A. M. Saw brother Thomas’s daughter 
christened by Mr. Matignon. Dined with brother Thomas 
in company with Mr. Gallet, brother Phillips, Dr. Ma- 
tignon, Mr. Ferrole, &e. Left his house about quarter 
before four, P. M., and reached Boston in two hours. 

In the afternoon I went to the Chapel and heard Josiah 
Quincy, Esq., pronounce an Address before the ‘* Massa- 
chusetts Charitable Fire Society,” upon the principles of 








29 


the institution. The assembly was large, the music, 
vocal and instrumental, excellent; the prayers of Mr. 
Kirkland, fervent and devout; and the Address of Mr, 
Quincy, classical and erudite. 

23. Intelligence the most distressing reached town 
this morning, of the sudden decease of that great and 
good man, Gruorce Wasuineton. ‘The bells tolled 
from 1 to 2, P. M., stores, shops, &c., were closed after 
1, P. M., and all business suspended. He died the 14th 
inst. 

29. Sunday. Went to meeting all day; Dr. Howard 
preached both parts. * * * * His text in the 
afternoon in Eccl. vii. 14: ‘* In the day of adversity con- 
sider.” In this discourse he portrayed, with skill, the 
character of our beloved deceased; of him who was 
‘‘first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his 
countrymen.” ‘The pulpit was shrouded with black cloth, 
and an appropriate anthem closed the solemnities of this 
afternoon. ; 


January 9, 1800. A splendid procession, consisting of 
at least ten thousand persons, chiefly citizens of the town, 
proceeded at half past twelve from the New State House, 
to the Old South Meeting House, where a Eulogy was 
pronounced upon George Washington, the father of his 
country, the friend of man, by Geo. R. Minot, Esq., A. M., 
A. A. S. No business was done during the day; no 
stores or offices opened; public offices closed, and every 
one dedicated the day to sorrow and to Washington. 
The Eulogy of Judge Minot speaks its own praise, 
Without high wrought periods, or an attempt at bombast, 
it is sufficiently animated to evince the writer’s sincerity, 
and amply pathetic to draw tears from the reader. 

* 


30 


February 8. Heard this day a Eulogy upon the ‘ sub- 
lime virtues of the deceased Washington,” pronounced by 
Fisher Ames, Esq., in the Old South Meeting House. 

21. Rode with my friend J. P., (in our chaise,) to 
Cambridge. Heard Mr. Alston and Mr. Watson pro- 
nounce a Poem and an Oration upon the character of 
George Washington, the good. Heard President Willard 
pray and pronounce a Latin Eulogium upon Washington. 
Dined with pa at Bro. Phillips’s. 

22. Anniversary of the birth day of George Washing- 
ton, the saviour of America and the benefactor of man- 
kind. Attended Dr. Howard’s meeting this morning, 
where I heard a prayer from Dr. H., and a solemn hymn. 


At the other places of public worship similar services 


were performed. The Legislature, escorted by the Cadet 
Company, went in procession to Dr. Thacher’s church, 
where Dr. T. delivered, at their request, a discourse 
adapted to the mournful occasion. At Mr. Payne’s 
school, in Federal Street, some young gentlemen read 
the farewell address of President Washington; a Miss 
Payne, daughter of the master, pronounced some affecting 
lines, and a son of Mr. C. Sigourney delivered a brief 
eulogium, prepared by Rev. Mr. Kirkland. : 

March 4. Spent the evening at William Phillips, Jr., 
Esq’s house, where there were about twenty-five young 
ladies, and fifteen or sixteen young gentlemen. They 
danced till about quarter past twelve at night. My 
friend J. P. and his sister M., gave the ball. Though 
I was not an active guest, I was yet a highly gratified 
one. iw & “ 

18. Workmen began yesterday, (being St. Patrick’s 
day,) to break ground on the westside of my father’s 
house, for the purpose of erecting a Catholic Church. 








31 


- 28. Dined at Brother Phillips’s, in company with Mr. 
and Mrs. Gannett, Judge Wendell, lady and daughter, 
Mrs. and Miss Cooper, William Cooper, Esq., and my 
father. 

April 25. Finished reading; this day, the instructive 
meditations of that excellent Emperor, Marcus Antoninus. 

May 11. Sunday. Went to Dr. Howard’s meeting this 
morning. Mr. Kirkland preached ; his text was in Matt. 
xxy. 19. Went to Brookline in the afternoon, with 
Brother Phillips, and returned at 7, P. M. Dined with 
pa at Brother Phillips’s. - 

Attended this evening the Federal Caucus at Concert 
Hall, with my friend C..S., Jr., and J. P. The Caucus 
was for the purpose of fixing on Representatives to the 
General Court. H. G. Otis addressed the audience in a 
noble speech of an hour’s length. 

21. Wednesday. Died at 12 o’clock, at midnight, His 
Honor, Moses Gill, Lt. Governor and Commander in 
Chief. The bells tolled one hour, from 6 to 7 o’clock. 

30. Hon. Caleb Strong was this day escorted into 
Boston by a great body of its citizens, on horse-back and 
in carriages. He was qualified as Governor, and pro- 
claimed as such at 12 o’clock at noon. 

- July 4. Anniversary of American Independence. At 
seven, A. M., set off with my friend J. P., in a chaise for 
Nahant, which we reached (after waiting and breakfast- 
ing at Lynn about an hour) at half past ten, A. M. The 
company consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, brother and 
sister P., Mr. and Mrs. Quincy, Mr. J. White and Miss 
Sally Wendell, Mr. J. P. and myself. Fished till half 
past two, P. M. Dined at three, P. M. Afterwards we 
all walked to what is called the Swallow’s Nest; went 
between the rocks in which the swallows build. It is 


a2 


called the Gallery. Afterwards viewed the Bridge under 
which the surf rises and washes the high land above. 
Parson Bentley, of Salem, whom we met on the rock, 
accompanied us in our walk, and explained the prospects, 
curiosities, &c. Mrs. Quincy sang the beautiful song of 


“The Little Sailor Boy,” after dinner. Left Nahant — = 


at three-quarters past five, P. M. We all stopped and 
supped at Newhall’s, in Lynn, on our return, from whence 
we started for Boston about eight, P. M. Reached town 
about quarter past nine, P. M., without the smallest 
accident having befallen any of the company. The day 
was exactly what was to be wished, and the pleasures of 
the day were incomparably great. 

16. Commencement at Cambridge. I stayed in town 
all day, as did my friends, Jonathan Phillips and C. 
Sigourney, Jr. Walked with them in the afternoon for 
an hour and a half. At six, P. M., I went to William 
Phillips, Esq.’s house, and had the pldasn of drinking 
tea with Miss Miriam Phillips, Miss S$. Mason, and my 
friend, Jonathan Phillips. Miss Mason belongs to New- 
port, R. J. I was introduced to her acquaintance this 
afternoon for the first time. Mr. Phillips and lady, 
with Miss Abigail their daughter, arrived in town about 
half past seven, P. M., from Dedham. Gov. Trumbull, 
_of Connecticut, who attended the exercises at Cambridge, 
and who tarries at Mr. Phillips’s, came in about three- 
quarters past seven, P. M., to him 1 was introduced by 
my friend, J. P., his father being absent from the room 
on the pou s entering. 

18. Walked in the Mall this evening about half past 
seven, P. M., where I met my friend, J. P., with his — 
amiable sister Miriam and Miss Trumbull, (daughter of 
Goy. Trumbull, of Connecticut.) I walked in the Mall 





33 


with them for fifteen or twenty minutes and afterwards 
accompanied them as far as Mr. Foster’s, No. 8 Franklin 
Place, whither they were going to visit. 

381. Set off about half past seven, A. M., in a two 
masted boat in company with William Phillips, Esq., 
Gen. Winslow and Major Cunningham, with my friend 
J. P., a Mr. Beck, and eight or ten children of Major C., 
and Gen. W. with Capt. West, skipper of the boat, his 
attendant and two of his children, for fishing below. We 
went off the Graves, (so called,) about six miles below 
the Light. Fished from half past eleven, A. M., to half 
past twelve, P.M. Left the ground at that time and 
came up to Long Island, where we went on shore, cooked 
our chowder, and tarried till about half past four, P. M. 
We then prepared to return and had reached the boat, 
when a violent squall came on; it rained furiously and 
blew a perfect hurricane, for a few minutes, tearing 
asunder the large tree under which we dined, and cleav- 
ing down another on a neighboring eminence. After the 
shower was over, several of us went to the house on the 


_ island and dried our clothing a little, after which we 





returned to the boat and proceeded for Boston, where we : 
arrived about quarter past nine o’clock, after having ex- 
perienced more rain on our passage from the island. 
There was very little thunder or lightning, but the family 
on the island observed it was the severest wind they had 
known except one, since they. had been on the island, 
which is ten years. We caught sixty cod and haddock. 
This is the first time I ever went as far, or beyond the 
Light. I caught one cod, the first I ever took. It was 
very warm in the morning, and scarcely any air, wind 
S. W., and N. W. after the squall. 

Be tet 12. My friend, Jonathan Phillips and hig 


34 
amiable sister, set off this morning on a journey for 
Northampton, and Lebanon, in Connecticut. 

September 16. Pa went to the farm this morning. 
Dined with me to-day, Mr. Garret Haws, of Anguilla ; 
Mr. William Redney, of Trinidad; Mr. Zalmon Wheeler, 
of St. Johns, N. B.; and my friends, J. Phillips, J. Hares, 
and C. Sigourney, with Mr. J. I. Linzee. 

17. I spent this evening in a highly agreeable manner 
at the house of William Phillips, Jr., in company with — 
my amiable friend Miss M. P. and my friend J. P. 

October 12. Went to Dr. Morse’s meeting in Charles- 
town all day, with Bro. Phillips; sat in J. Harris’s pew. 
Dr. Dwight, President of Yale College, preached both 
parts. His text in the morning in Eccl. ix. 10; in the 
afternoon, Eccl. xii. 7. Many persons went from Boston 
to attend his preaching to-day. He is graceful in his 
figure, with a full but pleasing and animated countenance, 
a high, smooth forehead and piercing eye, and possesses 
an uncommonly strong, clear, and melodious voice. His: 
diction was pure, correct and brilliant. 

30. Anniversary of the birth day of John Adams, 
President of the United States. I dined at Concert Hall 
with a large company to celebrate the birth day of our 
illustrious Chief. ‘This has been a high day for all true 
Federalists. : 


April 18, 1801. My friends John Harris, J. Phillips, 
and Joseph Tilden, with brother Phillips, dined with me 
this day, with pa and Charles, in celebration of my birth 
day. | 

May 23. Rode over to the farm this afternoon with 
Bro. Phillips, returned about six o’clock, P. M. Return-. 
ing met my amiable friend Miss Miriam Phillips, with 








35 


her brother Jonathan, (in their carriage,) riding for her 
health, of which she has for some time past been deprived. 
This is the first time I have had the happiness of seeing 
her since her illness. May her health still continue to 
amend, and may she enjoy hereafter a rich and liberal 
share of that invaluable blessing. 


January 10, 1802. Sunday. Went to meeting all day. 
Dr. Howard preached both parts. His text was (morn- 
ing and afternoon) Acts xvii. 10,11, and first part of 
12th verse, as far as “ believed.” 

Mem. My brother Charles was this afternoon pro- 
pounded for admission into the church. 

18. Spent, or was spending the evening at sister 
Phillips’s, in company with my amiable friend Miss M. 
P., Miss R. S., and her sister Miss Betsy, with Miss 
Maria P., of Cambridge, and my friend Jonathan P., 
when the town was alarmed by the cry of fire. This was 
about seven o’clock, P. M. It proved to be the dwelling 
house, shop, &c., of two carpenters, by the name of Goff, 
near Fort Hill. I tarried at the fire until eight, P. M., 
and returned to sister P.’s, found her pleasant party dis- 
persed and Miss Betsy S. only remaining. Spent a half 
hour there. Mr. Samuel S. attended his sister Betsy 
home. 7 

Thus was my prospect of an agreeable evening in the 
society of those amiable fair ones, whose conversation 
and smiles exhilarate the heart, changed to a mournful 
spectacle of a dwelling in flames, its industrious tenants 
deprived of a shelter, of a young child consumed by the 
dread element, and an extensive neighborhood trembling 
and terrified lest their abodes should next become a prey 
of fire. 


36 


February 7. Sabbath. Brother C. was this morning 
admitted a member of the church, at Dr. Howard’s. 

21. Went up to my cousin Nat. Furness’ this morn- 
ing after meeting, to inquire into the state of my Aunt 
Rea’s health, which is extremely disordered. 

March 14. Sunday. Went to meeting all day. Dr. 
Howard preached both parts. His text in the morning 
was in 1 John ii. 17. ‘‘ The world passeth away and the 
lust thereof.” In the afternoon, James ii. 12. These 
were two solemn, serious and important discourses. 

July 29. Thursday. Went to Nahant this day with © 
Mrs. S. Cooper, in a chaise of Niles. Set off about three 
quarters past six, A.M. Breakfasted at Palmer’s in 
company with Mr. Jonathan P., and Miss Martha H. in 
one chaise, and Mr. Edward P. in another. In addition 
to these, were of the party—Mr. William P., Jr., and 
lady, Miss Miriam P., (my amiable friend,) Miss Susan 
M., (of Newport,) Miss Abigail P., and brother and 
sister P. 

We arrived at Nahant about half past ten, A. M. 
Dined about half past one, P. M., after having fished. 
About three, P. M. walked out to the swallow’s nest, &c., 
with Miss M. P., Mrs. C., Miss Susan M., Miss H., &c. 
Took coffee at Palmer’s returning, and got into town 
about quarter past eight, P. M. | 

October 8. Sunday. Having on the last Sabbath after- 
noon been propounded to the church, (Dr. Howard’s,) 
I was this day admitted and partook of the sacrament, I 
hope and trust with right feelings and views, relying upon 
God, and the aid of His good Spirit; looking unto Jesns, 
the author and finisher of my faith, I would devote and 
give up myself unto my Maker, I would employ all my 
faculties in His service, and trusting for salvation in the 


» 








oT 


merits of my blessed Redeemer. I would live the life that 


I live in the flesh, by faith in the Son of God,—and in 


humble hope of a blessed immortality, would fervently 
pray, that when my soul is required of me, I may be 
ready and willing to quit this house of clay, and be 
enabled to give up my account with joy. 


About this time he records the marriage engage- 
ment entered into with his “amiable friend,” Miss 
Miriam Phillips. On Tuesday, January 4, 1803, 
occurs the following record. 


This evening I was united to my dear and excellent 
friend, Miriam Phillips. The ceremony took place at 
her father’s house. The company consisted of Mrs. 
William Phillips, Sen., Mrs. (grandma) Mason, Mrs. 
(aunt) Powell, Miss Bromfield, Mrs. Jonathan Mason, 
Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Powell, Mr. Benjamin Clark, 
Mr. Christopher Clark, my father, brothers Thomas and 
Charles, and John Phillips, with sister T. Walley, Jr., 
uncle and aunt Furness, aunt Hall, aunt B. Hurd, my 
friend Joseph Tilden, Miss Rebecca Salisbury, Dr. How- 
ard and Dr. Eckley. Dr. E. officiated principally. Dr. 
H. made the concluding prayer. 


January 9. Sunday. Wentto Dr. Eckley’s meeting with 
my wife allday. Dr. Kirkland preached in the morning ; 
his text was in 2 Kings, xxii. 19: ‘‘ Because their heart 
was tender.” Dr. Eckléy preached in the afternoon; his 
text was in Eccl. i. 2: ‘* A time to be born and a time 
to die.” 

1. This afternoon my wife and self quitted our 

' 4 


“$i 


father (Phillips’ 8) house, and removed to our own in 
Oliver street. : 


February 138. Sunday. Went with Mrs. W. to Dr. 
Eckley’s meeting all day. Mr. Salisbury preached in the 
morning; Dr. Eckley in the afternoon. Partook this — 
morning with the communicants of the Old South church. 

May 8. Sunday. Went to the Old South meeting this 
A.M. Dr. Eckley preached from Rom. xiv. 17. Went 
to the Federal street meeting this afternoon. Mr. Chan- 
ning preached from Job, i. 21. The sermon was occa- 
sioned by the death of Mrs. Thomas Davis. 

September 4. Went to (Federal street) meeting all 
day. Mr. Channing preached both parts. Partook this 
forenoon with Mrs. W. for the first time at the Lord’s 
table with Mr. Channing’s church. 


The record of the birth of his first child, a beautiful 
boy, named William Phillips, which occurs here, 
Thursday, January 12, 1804, is followed by a prayer 
full of tender and earnest petitions for wisdom rightly 
to train him, that he may live to be an instrument of 
great good in the world, and adorn the doctrine of 
God his Saviour. 

After nine happy months, this sweet bud was 
removed from their tender care by the Heavenly Gar- 
dener, to blossom in a brighter clime. It was his first 
near sorrow since the loss of his mother, but it was 
received submissively as from the: hand of One who 
loves equally when He takes as when He gives. We 
quote some of his words. | 





39 


| - It is painful indeed to nature to part with the objects 
| _ we love. How distressing it is to part with a beautiful 
and promising child, a parent only can know. I have 
been the melancholy spectator of my child’s last moments. 
I hovered around his body while his spirit yet animated 
it, but the last pulse has throbbed, and he is now released 
from his infant prison to dwell in the world of spirits. 
As he was mine by nature, I trust he was his Heavenly 
Father’s by adoption. At his birth, at his baptism, and 
often since, have I dedicated him to God, desiring that 
if his life was spared it might be spent in the service of 
his Maker, or that if his days here below were to be few, 
he might be translated from earth to heaven, and be 
forever with his God. I hope, I believe, that he is now 
gone to enjoy his Saviour. His race on earth was short. 
He seemed to taste of life only that he might see its 
vanity, and left it for more substantial joys. Sensibly as 
I feel this afflictive providence, I desire not to indulge 
one murmuring thought. I received him as a loan, not 
as a gift; and He who gives me all I enjoy, and is the 
author of all the hopes which I cherish, has seen fit in 
His infinite wisdom, (and with a purpose of love, I verily 
believe,) to take into His own hands the charge He had 
committed to mine. ‘Shall He not do what He will with 
His own?” and must not “the Judge of all the earth 
do right?” Though my fond expectations are blasted, 
though the goodly fabric I had erected, is in a moment 
levelled to the ground, though my schemes for the future 
of my child are all in an instant defeated, yet it is a con- 
sideration which cheers and supports me, (and the only 
one which can at this period,) that God’s purpose cannot 
be shaken, that His schemes cannot be frustrated. And, 
as all His aim must be the promotion of His own glory, 





40 


whatever is necessary in His plan for that end, His crea- 
tures should rejoice in. | : 

It is my desire to view this providence as a message 
from heaven. It is perhaps to chasten me for having 
hugged the comfort too closely to my bosom, and been 
tempted to forget the Author in the blessing. Or, it may 
be sent me to prove irresistibly the truth of what the 
Scriptures and observation continually teach, that every 
thing here below is vanity; that man cometh forth as a 
flower, that he appeareth as a vapor, and is suddenly no 
more ; or it may be sent to warn me to prepare for my 
own end. I cannot but view it as a Father’s chastise- 
ment, as coming directly from the God of Love. I desire 
to improve it to those purposes for which it was sent. 
May it not be in vain that I suffer, and may I hereafter 
have abundant reason to say, ‘* It is good for me that the 
hand of God has touched me.” 

I earnestly desire that this. solemn visitation may 
quicken me in my Christian course, that it may withdraw 
my affections more from earthly things, and tend to fix 
them more strongly on those which are above. I desire 
that my heart may be impressed, that I may perceive the 
greatness of my sins, the ruin of my soul by nature, the 
astonishing love of God in the gift of His Son, and the 
freeness and richness of His grace in the Gospel. I de- 
sire more sensibly to feel my constant dependence upon 
God for strength and support, and to realize that I am 
ever in His hands. I desire most humbly and fervently 
that I may be prepared for my own departure hence. I 
know not how soon or how suddenly I may be called to 
give up my account to God. I feel that this body which 
I inhabit is feeble and decaying. It does not promise a 
long continuance, and how soon I may be summoned to 








4] 


follow my child, I know not; but this is my most earnest 
prayer, that I may glorify God in the world, do faithfully 
the work He assigns me, and in the hour of death be 
enabled to triumph over the king of terrors, to ‘ know 
whom I have believed,” and joyfully to commit my spirit 
into the hands of Him who gave it. Blessed God! in 
that solemn moment may my hope be firm, well ground- 
ed, and full of immortality. 

I desire most earnestly that this affliction may be sanc- 
tified to my own family and those connected with it. 
May it lead all to serious contemplation, to good resolu- 
tions, and be a means of opening many hearts to the 
reception and love of divine truth, and solicitude for their 
own salvation. May it in a particular manner be sancti- 
fied to my beloved partner, who feels most keenly our 
common loss. May her supports be derived from her 
covenant God, who has engaged never to leave nor 
forsake her. May His countenance be displayed to her 
in love, and a Father’s hand be evident in her affliction. 


1805. May 10. Sriday. Lodged last night at our 
new residence in Atkinson Street. 


1806. September 5. Friday. At about half past twelve 
o’clock, my beloved father was released from his weak- 
ness and infirmities, and entered, as I trust, into his ever- 
lasting rest. * * * . * He has been gradually failing 
since the 30th March last, and appeared sensible that his 
days were about being finished. He uniformly expressed 
his gratitude to God for all the goodness he had shown 
him during his long life, expressed his sorrow that his 
earlier years were not marked by religion, and his thank- 


fulness for being inclined in after life to name the name 
* 


42 


of Christ. A day or two before his departure he ex- 


pressed a wish to be released from the body and to enter 
into rest, but immediately recalled it, so far as to intimate 
his submission to the divine will, and his readiness to 
wait his appointed time. ‘God forgive me,” twice 
repeated, were nearly the last words he uttered. 

6. Saturday. This afternoon were entombed the 


remains of my beloved parent. The Rev. Mr. Lowell. 


officiated in prayer. The pall-bearers were Col. Dawes, 


Dea. Charles Cushing, Samuel Salisbury, Esq., Samuel 


Eliot, Dr. Dexter, and Nath’] Balch, Esq. 


Having suffered from repeated and alarming attacks 


of bleeding at the nose, which greatly prostrated his 
strength, he thus writes after one of them. 


May I realize more than ever the uncertainty of life, 


health, and all earthly possessions, and. may I sit more 
loosely to them all, be quickened to aspire and seek after 
eternal blessings, the favor of God, and a union in heart 


and temper to my adorable and blessed Redeemer. May 


I covet earnestly the best gifts, even the love of my 
Saviour and the abiding influences of the Holy Spirit. 


May I be more resolute than ever in opposing the corrupt. 


inclinations of my own heart, the temptations of the 
great enemy of souls, and the allurements of a vain and 


vicious world. May I, in the strength of Jesus, come 
off more than conqueror, and give to Him the glory of. 


all my victories. Blessed God! work in me to do Thy 
whole will. Make me grateful to those beloved friends 


who have ministered to me in my sickness, anticipated 
all my wants, and affectionately supplied them. Do Thou 








| sik 
| 
| 
| 


43 


reward them for their labors of love, and grant them the 
richest of Thy blessings, an interest in Thy Son. 

To Thee, oh my God, who wert the author and art the 
constant supporter of my being, from whom I derive the 
comforts of this world, and by whose rich, free and 
unmerited grace I enjoy the hope of a happy immortality, 
through the cleansing blood of my crucified Redeemer, to 
Thee do I dedicate all my powers of body and of soul. 
Make me live to Thee. Make me to adorn that glorious 
gospel I have professed. Make me to walk by the faith 
of the Son of God, as a pilgrim here, and a humble’ 
expectant of unspeakable and endless happiness in the 
kingdom of heaven. 


January 1, 1807, we find the first mention of the 
future pastor of the Old South church. 


Attended Federal street lecture this evening. A Mr. 
Huntington preached. His text was in Proverbs: ‘* What 
profit shall we have if we pray unto him.” 


Several pages are left vacant, asif for an abstract of 
the discourse. His habit was always to record the 
texts of all the sermons to which he listened, frequently 
giving an outline more or less extended. 


April 9. Fast through the State. I was much 
impressed this day in reading some parts of Orton’s Life 
of Doddridge, especially those parts respecting the 
improvement and distribution of his time, and his con- 
stancy and delight in secret prayer. What a model is 
Doddridge! How am I reproved for my sluggishness, 
my barrenness, my formality, my ingratitude. In words, 


\ 


44 


I have dedicated myself soul and body to God, but how 


little of this entire devotion have I expressed in my 


conduct. Gracious and forgiving God! heal, I beseech 
Thee, my backslidings, recover me to Thyself. Destroy 
the power of sin within me, increase my love to Thee ; 
bring me more and more to rejoice, to trust and to delight 


in Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, and may I continually 


be aspiring after conformity to what is imitable in His 
glorious character. 

12. Lord’s Day. Attended church allday. Rev. Mr. 
Channing preached both parts. His text morning and 


afternoon was in Eph. vi. 1, 2. These discourses were 


upon the duties of children to parents, and on the means 
which parents were to use to secure to themselves the 
respect, the affection, the gratitude, the submission, and 
the entire confidence of their offspring. Most excellent 
discourses. 

On this day, which, places me in my thirtieth year, 
would I recollect and record the goodness of my God. 
‘‘ Hitherto He has helped me.” He has been my refuge 
' and defense, a present help in trouble. He has encom- 
passed me with blessings, and though I have so often 
ungratefully abused His bounty, He still mercifully 
upholds me. How deserving is He of my whole heart, 
my best, my undivided affections. May I yield for the 
future a more cordial and willing obedience to all His 
commands, and make His service, which is true and 
perfect freedom, my greatest delight. 

Warned as I have been, in the course of the past year, 
of the weakness of my body, and the great uncertainty 
of life, may I, in the strength of my Saviour, practice 
the resolutions I formed in the days of sickness,. when 
time appeared to me of more value than ever, and when 





45 


neglected opportunities of usefulness were remembered 
with keen regret. May Inow improve the health I enjoy, 
to the glory of God my Preserver, and be active in 
accomplishing all the good it is in my power to communi- 
cate to my fellow creatures. Especially may I seek their 
spiritual welfare, and may I be always impressed with 
the importance of exhibiting in my own life and conver- 
sation, the transforming effects of that glorious gospel 
which I profess to love, and which I recommend to them. 


1808. May 18. Rev. J. Huntington was ordained 
this day colleague with Rev. Dr. Eckley, minister of the 
Old South Church. Father Phillips and brothers dined 
with the church company. | 
- July 24. Sabbath. After service this afternoon, the 
brethren of the church remained, and Rev. Mr. Channing 
communicated Mr. Thomas McClure’s and my acceptance 
of the office of Deacon. Hethen prayed with us. May 
the Lord make us faithful servants ! 

December 11. Lord’s Day. Rev. Mr. C. preached all 
day. Text in the afternoon, Matt. xv. 8: ‘+ This people 
draweth nigh to me with their mouth,” &c. In this dis- 
course he showed the inefficacy, the sin, and the peculiar 
danger of formal, hypocritical prayers. A very search- 
ing, excellent sermon. 

I desire to take shame to myself when I consider my 
coldness, my formality, my want of affection in my 
addresses to God. Iam sometimes tempted to think 
that they are all hypocritical, and merely to preserve 
appearances, or to lull my conscience. But can this be ? 
Have I no true love to my great Creator, my kind and 
constant Preserver? No genuine affection toward that 
compassionate, condescending Saviour, who has done and 





46 


suffered so much to obtain for me pardon and everlasting 
blessedness ? Have I no regard to that gracious Spirit 
which hath striven with me so much and so long? O 
yes; mingled with vast ingratitude, with astonishing 


stupidity, with dreadful coldness, yet can I not say, O — 4 


thou Searcher of hearts, that there is some sincerity in 
my heart, some genuine repentance of sin, some real 
attachment to my God and Saviour, some earnest desire 
after conformity to that bright example which my -Re- 
deemer hath left, some faint but sincere exertion to be a 
Christian indeed. 

O blessed Spirit! Thou quickener of the spiritually 
dead, abide with me continually as my guide and com- 
forter. Instruct me in and urge me to the performance 
of every duty, and may I not faint or be weary in my 
Christian course. 


1809. March 26. Rev. Mr. Channing preached in the 
afternoon from Ps. xxvi. 8: ‘ Lord, I have loved the 
habitation of thy house,” &c. This discourse was occa- 
sioned by the contemplated destruction of our present 
house of worship in the course of this week, in which we 
shall consequently never meet again. His discourse was 

appropriate, solemn and affecting. 
November 23. J attended this morning at the dedica- 
tion of the new house of worship just erected in FederaL 
street. Rev. Dr. Kirkland offered the prayers before ~ 
sermon, which was delivered by Rev. Mr. Channing. 
Rev. Dr. Lothrop offered the closing prayer. The ser- 
vices were solemn and highly interesting. Rev. Mr. C.’s 
text was in Ps. c. 2, 4: ** Serve the Lord with gladness ; 
come before His presence with singing. Enter into His 
gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” — 








47 


May the House which we have reared, be ever sacred 
to the worship of God; may the Church there be en- 
larged and purified, and may the truth as it is in Jesus, 
be faithfully and successfully declared to the latest pos- 
terity. May I in this House of Prayer enjoy sweet inter- 
course with my Father in Heaven, discover my Divine 
Saviour in the breaking of bread, and be comforted, 
quickened and supported by all the exercises I may be 
permitted to join in. Here in this Temple, may I catch 
the spirit of ‘worshipers above, and be trained up for an 
eternal union with them, fora participation in the ser- 
vices and joys of that ‘‘Temple not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens.” 


A pleasant summer home, constantly referred to 
as “the Farm,” situated in Brookline, had now been 
the resort of the family during two seasons. [From 
their pleasant circle of friends, some one or more were 
continually passing back and forth, giving and receiv- 
ing pleasure, and the health of the beloved wife and 
mother, always delicate, seemed to improve through 
the cheerful out-door life, which was thus made more 
easy. Many pleasant journeys were also undertaken 
in the old-fashioned, independent style, in their own 
vehicle, with some friend,—stopping as inclination or 
convenience prompted, wherever there was promise of 
pleasure or improvement. The devoted sister, whose 
name so often occurs in these pages, and whose 
unvarying affection has long been extended to the 
children of that beloved one, frequently made one of 
the party. - 


It was at the close of one of these pleasant seasons, 


December, 1809, that the mother’s health began to 
decline, and finally, by severe and alarming attacks of 


illness, she was brought to the borders of the grave. . 


She addressed precious words of comfort to him, in the 


full prospect of a separation. The mother’s heart also 


yearned fondly over ‘her little ones, whom,’ she said, 
‘she had hoped to see advance in life, and had looked 
forward to it with great pleasure.’ ‘ This,’ she added, 
‘has been my most earnest desire, that my children may 
belong to God, and may be admitted into His king- 
dom.’ 

To the great joy of her friends, she was given back 
to them again, when to all appearance she seemed to 
have entered “the river,” and to be almost within 
sight of “the shining shore.’” Seventeen years longer 
was she permitted to fulfill the sacred duties intrusted 
to her, with all the fidelity and devotion which her 
slender health allowed. 


1812. June 20. War. This morning General Bloom- 


field, now in this city, received accounts by express from 
the City of Washington, of War having been declared 


by the United States against Great Britain, &c. . 
Great God of Nations, have mercy upon this people. 
Leave us not to perish in Thine anger. Speedily restore 


Peace to this land, if it consist with Thy glory. Counsel — 


our rulers. May their hearts be right with Thee, and 
may their deliberations be overruled for the best good of 
the nation. 


Prepare me, O my Father, for whatever may await me 







ry 
Ge 


meg ea 


‘ 


SB 








49 


in Thy providence. May I be faithful to my country, 
and especially to Thee, my God, and be enabled to 
glorify Thee in the hour of suffering, privation, distress, 
ruin and death, if these be my portion during the present 
contest. | 

September 23. Left Boston for Andover. Stopped at 
Parker’s, and reached Andover at one, P.M. I dined at 
the Institution with the Trustees, &c. Attended at the 
chapel, in the afternoon, the exercises of the students, 
and at a quarter past six attended, with the Trustees, the 
meeting of the Board, at Mr. Farrar’s. Tarried till half 
- past nine, P. M., and then retired to Rev. Dr. Pearson’s 
house, where I met Rev. President Dwight, Rev. Mr. 
Jenks, from Bath, Rev. Mr. Tappan, from Brunswick, 
and his brother, Rev. Mr. Codman, Mr. Abbott, &c. 
Dr. D. and Mr. J. tarry with us. 

24. Attended Trustee meeting, at Mr. Farrar’s, at 
nine A.M. Finished at three-quarters past eleven, A. M., 
at which time I set off for home, Mr. E. A. Pearson, and 
a Mr. Thomas H. Gallaudet, a student of the institution, 
accompanying me. 


1813. January 23. Walked with son S. this after- 
noon to Mr. Lincoln’s printing office, to show him the 
manner of printing. 

June 1. Rode with Mrs. W. this morning to brother 
Thomas’s (Brookline) and back —in the afternoon to 
brother Thomas’s again, and afterwards to uncle Mason’s, 
where we stopped to tea. Mother P., sister A., Mr. 
and Mrs. Thomas P., Mrs. Dr. W., Jr., came also to 
tea. Mr. Daniel Parkman also. 

Went upon the hill back of uncle Mason’s house, and 


with his telescope was pretty certain of seeing the com- 
5 


50 


mencement of an engagement between the Chesapeake 
frigate, and the Shannon, British frigate, which peeped 
this morning into Boston bay, and induced the sp SS 
_to leave her anchorage in President Hone 


1814. June 3. This day was confirmed, by an arri- 
val from Halifax at this place, the news recently reported 
by way of Cork, that Louis XVIII. had been called to the 
throne of France, that Bonaparte had abdicated for him- 
self and heirs, all title to the throne of France, and was 
to retire on a pension to the island of Elba in the Medi- 
terranean, and that a general Continental Peace was the 
consequence of these events. 

15. Attended this morning, at the Chapel church, 
the services on account of the recent great deliverance of 
Europe from the slavery of Bonaparte, late Emperor of 
France. They were very solemn, appropriate and im- 
pressive. The prayer by Rev. Dr. Osgood, and the 
sermon, by the Rev. Mr. Channing, with some music, 
were all that I heard. The State House, widow Scott’s 
house, and some other private houses, were brilliantly 
illuminated in the evening, and from the Common and 
Neck, were thrown a large number of carbonic comets 
and rockets. The concourse of people in the Common 
was immense. 


1815. February 13. Mr. J. L. called upon me at 
nine o'clock to inform me that news was just received in 
town from New York, communicated by Mr. Jonathan 
Goodhue to B. Russell by an express, of a Treaty having 
been concluded between Great Britain and the United 
States, the 24th December last, restoring to us the blessings 








51 


of Peace. The British ship Favorite brought the account. 
The town has in every quarter exhibited tokens of the 
highest joy of its inhabitants on this most interesting, 
and cheering intelligence. The bells have been ringing 
through the day and the cannon firing; eight uniform 
companies parading, and illuminations in the evening of 
some public buildings are among the demonstrations of 
joy discovered on this memorable occasion. 

September 23. Rained hard in the night—increased, 
and from eleven to two, the wind blew with tremendous 
and destructive violence, unroofing some houses and 
blowing off a vast number of chimneys; my own at the 
store where I was sitting, and many others. The trees 
in Paddock’s and the great| Mall, have suffered exceed- 
ingly, many are blown down, large elms, some of a hun- 
dred years’ growth. The town throughout presents a 
scene of destruction almost unprecedented. 


1816. December 20. Mrs. W. spent chief of the 
morning at brother Jonathan P.’s, who was’ last evening 
deprived in the holy providence of God of his beloved 
child Miriam, a lovely girl of five and a half years. 


1817. February 20. Brother John Phillips’s son S., aged 
sixteen, a Freshman in Harvard University, died this 
morning at one o'clock; a very amiable and promising 
youth. , ; 

Attended this afternoon the funeral of my late Aunt 
Hall, who died on the 16th, aged 74. 

July 2. Walked with mother P., Mrs. W.., sister 
Abby and daughter M., upon the Common this morning, 
to witness the arrangement of the boys of the several 
schools in Boston, through whom the President of the 


52 


United States was to pass. The number of boys was 
about three thousand. Son S. was among them. 

At quarter before one, P. M., President Monroe en- 
tered the limits of Boston, which was known by the ring- 
ing of bells. At that time I went with mother P., Mrs. 
W., sister A., daughters M. and S., with the female | 
domestics, to the Glass Store, where, at half past one, 
P. M., we saw the President with the cavalcade pass. 

7. Breakfasted at father P.’s in company with the 
President of the United States, his Secretary, Mr. Mason, | 
his Aid, Gen. Swift; also, Samuel Prince, Gen. Miller, 
Commodore Bainbridge, Governor Brooks, Gen. Cobb, 
Timothy Pickering, Judge Parker, W. S. Shaw, Col. 
Sumner, William Gray, H. G. Otis, T. H. Perkins, 
Geo. Blake, J. Quincy, C. Bulfinch, J. Thorndike, Sheriff 
Bradford, Gen. Matoon, Col. Sargent, Rev. F. Parkman, 
Judge Fales, Mr. Mellen, Mr. Williams, Mr. Stebbins, 
Wendell Davis, Judge Prescott, J. Welles, J. Lloyd, 
Rey. Mr. S. Willard, Commodore Perry, &c. 

The President reviewed two thousand five hundred 
troops upon the Common at noon. 

October 22. Spent two and a half hours with Rev. W. 
E. Channing this afternoon at his house, conversing with 
him on the subject of my intended removal from his 
church, of which I informed him for the first time, this 
afternoon. . 

26. Lords Day. I yesterday addressed a letter to 
Rev. Mr. Channing, confirming what I had said to him 
respecting my removal from his church, and resigning 
the office of Deacon. 

I trust that in taking this step, this very painful and 
important step, I have been following the dictates of con- 
science and the guidance of the Spirit of God. Ihave 





ae Le 


53 


weighed the subject long, I have conversed confidentially 
in reference to it with Christian friends of sound judgment 
and distinguished prudence ; above all, I have sought 
direction from the Father of Lights, and as far as I can 
discern, my path has been made plain to leave the church 
in Federal street, and to attach myself and family to the 
church under the care of Rev. Mr. Huntington. I with- 
draw from my late place of worship in the exercise of the 
most candid and benevolent feelings toward those I leave, 
and with a sincere desire that they and myself may be 
guided into all necessary truth. 

November 1. Called upon Rev. Mr. Huntington this 
morning and communicated to him my intention of attach- 
ing myself and family to his church and society. 


1818. March 8. Lord’s Day. Rev. Mr. H. preached 
in the morning from Luke, xi. 13. ‘If ye then being 
evil,” &c. The sermon was exceedingly good, showing 
the duty, the privilege and importance of earnest prayer 
for the gift of the Holy Spirit, to enlighten, guide and 
comfort us. 


1819. September 11. Heard in Boston, when I 
reached there, the afflictive intelligence of the death of 
Rey. Joshua Huntington, my beloved pastor.’ He had 
been journeying to Canada, and on returning rode very 
rapidly, when his strength was quite small. A fever 
arrested him at Groton, and he expired last night at the 
house of Rey. Dr. Chaplin, of that town. His loss is 
great indeed to his family and the church, and the town 
has lost a bright light. 

December 23. Visited grandma Mason this morning. 
Spent a little time with her very profitably, and prayed 

* 





o4 


with her. Her first words on taking my hand were, ‘“ I 
am alive yet, spared to-day to repent of the sins of yester-— 
day. Don’t lose a moment. Let us engage at once in 
prayer. Pray that God may be glorified, that His king- 
dom may be advanced,” &c. 


1820. February 6. Miss Mary Peck, (familiarly called 
Molly,) an invaluable and eminently pious domestic of. 
father Phillips, who has been in his family forty-four 
years, after nine years of blindness, and several of the 
latter, years of great weakness of body, was released 
from this state of suffering, and entered into heavenly 
rest this afternoon. ‘ Blessed, indeed, are the dead who 
die in the Lord.’ Her walk was close with God, and in 
her humble sphere she exhibited a bright pattern of 
Christian excellence. My beloved wife remembers well 
her early instructions, her earnest prayers, her holy 
example; and ascribes the first attention she gave to the 
concerns of her soul, to the pious counsels of this faithful 
domestic. 

12. Son S. went this morning with his grandma 
Phillips to see grandma Mason, who was able to speak a 
few words to him, and kissed and blessed him. Does 
not ‘the prayer of the righteous avail much?” May a 
gracious God hear the prayer of this dying saint in my 
child’s behalf, and may he never forget the holy example 
and Christian counsel of this venerable friend. _ 

24, At about 2 o’clock, (A. M.,) Mrs. Mary Mason, 
our most excellent friend and grandma, was released 
from earth, after a pilgrimage of eighty-seven years, and 
has taken possession, as we humbly hope, of the promised 
land, the heavenly Canaan. 

26. Attended, with Mrs. W., this afternoon, the fune- 








5d 


ral of grandma Mason. Her remains were deposited in 
the Chapel burying ground, in the tomb of the late 
Benjamin Clark, which is a wall tomb, a small distance 
south from the gate on Tremont street. 

October 8. Lord’s Day. Mr. B. B. Wisner, from 
Princeton Theological Institution, preached both parts of 
the day. His text this morning from Isaiah, xlv. 22. 
These discourses were very impressive. The morning’s 
discourse was exceedingly comprehensive and solemn. 


1821. July 2. Rode to the farm with Mrs. W., 
M., and S., over the new road called The Boston and 
Roxbury Mill-Dam, leading from Beacon street, which - 
was this day, for the first time, opened for travel. A 
number of gentlemen on horses, early this morning 
formed a cavalcade, and passed over the new road or 
causeway in honor of the enterprise. 


1823. February 4. Attwo, P.M. attended at the 
Old South Vestry, a religious exercise in connection with 
this day which has been set apart, particularly the latter 
half, by the Old South Church, as a religious Fast, and 
for the purpose of renewing the church covenant. Rev. 
Mr. Wisner conducted the service altogether in the after- 
noon, except reading the last hymn, and pronouncing the 
blessing. Mr. W. read the 139th Psalm, and made 
some observations upon it, in connection with the events 
which had called the church into the present solemn 
posture. 

» At half past six, P. M., attended again at same place, 
Mrs. W. accompanying me. The service of the evening 
commenced with prayer, by Rev. Mr. Jenks, then singing, 
then reading the 9th chapter of Nehemiah, which he ex- 


56 


plained at some length, in connection with the covenant 


just to be renewed. Rev. Daniel Huntington followed 
in prayer; after which the members of the Old South 


Church rising in their places, Mr. Wisner repeated the 
ancient and solemn form of covenant, which all renewed. 
He followed in a very long, solemn, fervent and affec- 
tionate prayer. A few remarks from him succeeded, and 


then ahymn. This was followed by a short prayer frond 2 > 


Rev. Mr. Jenks, then the doxology and benediction. 
The whole exercise was of a peculiarly solemn cast, 


and calculated to make a very salutary impression on all — 


the members. I pray that it may make such i mE 
on my own heart. 


May 4. Lord’s Day. Mother Phillips having taken a 


heavy cold, was confined at home to- -day. 

5. Mother P. continues very sick with her cold. ‘She 
sent for Dr. W. last evening. 

6. Dr. W. called this evening to say that he thought 


it not unlikely mother P. would not survive till morn- 
ing. 


7. Mother P. was comfortable through the nicht 
Brother Edward P. was with her. The physician thought 
there was some improvement this morning, but on my 
wife’s going over towards ten, A. M., she sent me word 


immediately, “she was no better.” Just before one, 


P. M., Mrs. W. sent for me to go over, as her mother 
was declining rapidly. I went over with daughter 
M., but my dear mother did not know me, and I am 
thus deprived of that parting smile and blessing which I 


had fondly hoped to enjoy, if Providence saw good to 


take her first from earth. 
I remained with the family in the chamber, our mate 
sinking every moment. Rev. Mr. Wisner prayed at 








57 ’ 


about three quarters past two, P. M., and continued with 
us. Dr. Warren came in soon after, and at half past 
three, without a struggle or groan, her spirit passed to 
glory, leaving an aged, tender husband, and all her 
family, in tears for their own heavy loss. 

12. Rode over to father P.’s at eleven o’clock, and 
tarried about two hours, in which time Rev. Dr. Beecher, 
and Rev. Prof. Porter, called to see father P. Dr. B. 
made a very affectionate and interesting prayer with the 
family. 

In the afternoon attended at father P.’s with Mrs. W., 
daughter M., and son S., and followed the mortal remains 
of our late dear mother to the silent tomb, the Bromfield 
vault in the Chapel burying ground. Rev. Mr. Wisner 
prayed at the funeral. The Pall-bearers were Thomas 
Dennie, Gardner Greene, P. C. Brooks, John Parker, 
Thomas Dawes and Josiah Salisbury, Esq’rs. 

22. Atabout seven, P. M., sister Abigail B. Phillips was 
united in holy marriage to Rev. E. Burgess, of Dedham. 
'_ The ceremony was at father P.’s in his presence, and 

- that of Uncle and Aunt Mason, Bros. J. and EK. P. and 
wives, with their children, William P., Jr., and Miss 
| Martha S. P., with Miss T. B., (tarrying at Bro. E. P.’s,) 
_- Miss D., Thomas Burgess, Esq. and lady, from Provi- 
dence, Miss B., from Wareham, my son 8., and daugh- 
ter M. | 

29. Was preparing to go to our store at 9 o’clock, 
when I was informed that my beloved brother-in-law, 
John Phillips, was very ill, probably not then alive. 
Before I had time to get ready to go to the house, Mr. E. 
called upon me to say that brother P. was dead! It 
appears he was not well through the whole of yester- 
day, though he attended at the Senate Chamber, went 


58 


through much duty there, and attended religious service 7 
at the Old South Church, with the Legislature. ee ae 
He has left us full of honors, in the midst of usefulness, 
enjoying apparently very good health, and surrounded by _ 
an affectionate and devoted family. I find myself de- 


prived on a sudden of my counsellor, my guide and 


friend, as well as brother. I know not how to fill the 


space which his death has caused. I pray that tha 


affliction may be sanctified to me and my family for our 
eternal good. 


1824, February 28. Mrs. W. spent the morning and 
afternoon at brother E. P’s. His daughter Miriam had 
a distressed night and was very low allthe morning. At 
three quarters past 5, P. M., after considerable distress, 
she very suddenly expired. She was two years old last 
August, and one of the loveliest children of her ageI 
ever saw. Healthy, beautiful, intelligent and gentle, she | 
seemed calculated to delight her parents, and all who 
knew her, in a high degree. : 


August 24. General La Fayette reached Governor . 


Eustis’s house from New York in the middle of last 
night, and agreeably to previous arrangements, entered 
the city this morning, under civil and military escort, of 
the most splendid kind. In my house, (Granite Range,) 
I had a full view of the whole procession, and a large 
number of our friends enjoyed the view with us. In the 
evening I went with Mrs. W. and son S. to Mr. ~ 
Quincy’s, where General La Fayette came and spent half 
an hour. j 

30. A number of ladies came to our house to-day to 


view the troops on the Common. It is supposed that 


upwards of six thousand troops were under arms, and 








o9 


the weather being fine, the appearance was uncommonly 
handsome. ‘The crowd was immense, and the number of 
gentlemen who partook of dinner, at the great tent, 
exceeded fifteen hundred. This is the greatest military 
parade probably ever witnessed in this city. 


“ 1825. June17. The corner-stone of the obelisk about 
to be built on the Heights of Charlestown, to commem- 
morate the battle of Bunker Hill, was laid this morning 
in Masonic form. An address was afterwards delivered 
by Hon. Daniel Webster, and a dinner under an im- 
mense tent was served to upwards of three thousand 
persons. The procession, which was formed in and 
about the State House, was very numerous, and the 
appearance exceedingly impressive and interesting. 
December 28. Father Phillips drank tea with us 
this evening, and I attended with him at Park street 
church a service in reference to the church of colored 
people, (eight in number,) this day organized, previous 
to their departure for Liberia in Africa. Rev. Mr. 
_ Wisner read the doings of the Council, with the creed, 
covenant, &c. Rev. Dr. Jenks offered the prayer. Rev. 
Mr. Dwight read a psalm, and delivered a discourse (of 
ninety minutes in length) from Ps. Ixviii. 31: * Princes 
shall come out of Egypt, Ethiopia shall soon stretch out 
her hands unto God.” A most eloquent, ingenious and 
powerful performance, well suited to the occasion. Rev. 
Mr. Edwards, of Andover, offered the right hand of 
fellowship, Rev. Mr. Green offered the closing and ordain- 
ing prayer, during which the two aged colored men 
chosen by their brethren, deacons of the church, received 
the imposition of hands from Rev. Messrs. Green, Wis- 
ner and Jenks. ‘The collection was then taken, and an 


60 


anthem (the music composed by one of the colored 4 
deacons) with the benediction, closed the exercises. 


1826. October 15. Lord’s Day. Attended at the Old — "3 
South Church all day. Rev. Dr. Beecher preached in © 


the morning from Mark, xii. 24: ‘Thou art not far from” 
the kingdom of God.” Rev. Mr. Wisner preached in 
the afternoon from John, iii. 8: “The wind bloweth 
where it listeth,” &c. These two sermons were very 
solemn and impressive, calculated to. excite serious 
thought and holy resolution. The morning’s sermon was 


one of the most direct addresses to the conscience, that I _ : 
ever heard. ‘The object was to show that there were in 


the life of every person, highly important moments, when 
it might specially be true with regard to them, that they 
were ‘‘not far from the kingdom of God.” He gavea 
number of instances and considered them as balancing 
periods, when a little more effort, or resolution, or thought 
might have turned the scale in favor of a course which 


would have eventuated in their salvation, and which 


omitted was the point of time when they lost the last 
opportunity they could ever enjoy for securing the safety 
of their souls. 

29. Brother Edward P. continues very low. He has 
been confined to his bed since Friday evening last. 

November 4. At half past 7 o’clock this morning, Mrs. 
W. and myself were sent for into brother Edward Phil- 
lips’s. He experienced a change which indicated death 
to be very near, about three o’clock this morning. He 
suffered much from hard breathing, until about ten 
minutes past ten o’clock, A. M., when his spirit returned 


to God who gave it, amid the tears and prayers of his ~ 4 


affectionate relatives. His mind was perfectly bright, 








61 

collected, resigned and happy to the last moment. Such 
expressions as these were frequent during the night: 
‘Blessed Jesus, J am ready, Iam ready.” Just before 
he expired, he said to his wife, ‘* God is with me. He has 
fitted me. Iam not distressed.” To Rev. Mr. Wisner, 
yesterday afternoon, he said, ‘‘God has given me the 
victory.” 

8. Attended the funeral of our late beloved brother 
Edward Phillips. The body was placed in the Brom- 
field tomb. A solemn service! God grant that the 
impression of the vanity of everything earthly may never 
be effaced from my mind. I would live henceforth nearer 
to God than ever, and strive to cultivate closer commu- 
nion with Him, and greater conformity to His holy requi- 
sitions; looking habitually to Jesus, the author and 
finisher of my faith, for grace to sustain me in life, for 
grace to obtain the victory over death, and for grace to 
bestow upon me the precious rewards of the just, rewards 
purchased for me through a Saviour’s merits. 

12. Lord’s Day. Rev. Mr. Wisner preached in the 
afternoon from Ps. xcvii. 1: ‘* The Lord reigneth, let the 
earth rejoice.” A very excellent sermon. At the close 
he applied the subject to the death of brother Edward 
Phillips, and sketched his character very justly, introduc- 
ing a number of his remarks in his sickness, upon the 
subject of religion. 


1827. February 18. Attended at Old South Church 
allday. Rev. Mr. Wisner preached both parts. Text 
in the morning and afternoon from Eph. iv. 30: ‘‘ And 
grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed 
unto the day of redemption.” These discourses were 


62 


very impressive and solemn, written with reference to the 
present revival of religion in the city. 

25. Attended church all day with Mrs. W. Rev. 
Mr. Wisner preached both parts. His text in the morn- 
ing from 1 Sam. vii. 12. In the afternoon, 1 Col. part 
of 28th and 29th verses. 

This day completes six years since Rev. Mr. Wisner 
became the pastor of the Old South Church, and his dis- 
course this morning was a review of this period. He 
was very interesting, and managed his subject with great 
good judgment, deep feeling, and in a way to excite th 
best sentiments of pious gratitude in his people, both 
church and congregation. He at the close renewed his 
dedication of himself to the work of the ministry, to his 
God, and to the people of his charge—to be worn out in 
the service of Christ. In the afternoon he considered the 
possibility of the salvation of every member of the con- 
gregation, and the consequent duty of the church to labor 
for such a blessing. He wished all present to engage 
from that moment, to aim at, and as far as possible, — 


strive to promote the everlasting happiness ‘of every “> 4 


member of the society. This vow he then made, and 
should repeat before he retired this night to rest. 


An excellent writer has remarked, that “from great 
prwilege to great trial, there will often be but a step.” 
The pages of the Diary almost immediately succeeding 
these accounts of the blessed work which had been 
progressing among the churches, and which had brought 
great joy to so many families—contain now the outpour- 
ings of a deep sorrow with which “no stranger can 
intermeddle.” The companion of years—the devoted 








63 


wife and tender mother was taken away as by a stroke. 
On the evening of the 24th of March she was pros- 
trated by sudden illness, losing to a great degree her 
power of utterance, “although evidently retaining her 
mind.” We quote from the Diary. 


March 25. Sabbath. Rev. Mr. Wisner saw Mrs. W. 
at noon. He asked her several questions, to which 
she gave, by signs, the replies that might be expected. 
He spoke to her of the preciousness of her Saviour, and 
to this she said, in words which we distinctly heard,— 
“ What could Ido without Him?” We prayed with her, 
and she appeared to enjoy the prayer. 

I asked her in the course of the afternoon, if she loved 
me as she had always done, to press my hand. She 
gave it instantly, a delightful grasp. 

She evidently endeavored once or twice to smile upon 
M., and seemed to say to her, ‘“‘ Weep not for me, only 
_ prepare to follow me to glory.” Monday the 26th, she 
discovered greater difficulty in breathing, which became 
more and more labored, until twenty minutes before 
twelve o’clock at noon, when I felt the last pulse cease, 
and witnessed the last breath taken. No violent struggle 
marked the separation of her happy spirit from its frail 
tabernacle, she gently sighed away her immortal part 
into the hands of that Saviour she had owned and loved 
on earth, and with whom I believe she is now enjoying a 
felicity too vast and too pure for the heart of man to 
conceive. And from such a state would I, dare I, recall 
her, if [ could? No, not for worlds. ‘Though all crea- 
tion is covered, to my mind, with a pall, black as mid- 
night darkness, I feel that she is happy. Her life tells 


64 


me it must be so, my faith and my Bible tell meso, and 
all that is left to me is tenderly to cherish the memory of 
one dear to me as my own soul, and to honor it in the 
way she would herself prescribe, if her voice could burst — 
upon me from the spiritual world, by walking more 
closely than ever, in the steps of Jesus, and by an habitual 
preparation to meet my God. * * ie * 
‘‘ Father, [ welcome all thy will.” I pray that it may be 
done. I rejoice that it zs done. And I would ever cher- 
ish a holy, an entire and child-like submission to every 
appointment of my covenant God. From this time I 
would be more than ever devoted to the service of my 
Divine Master, and would spend the remnant of my days 
in advancing his cause and kingdom in the world, and in. 
making that wise preparation for my own departure 
hence, which dispensations like the one I record, are so 
wisely adapted to promote. 

28. My friends are very kind to me in calling and 
sympathizing in my affliction, and all that friendship and 
affection can do, is rendered ; but the wound is very deep, 
and my Great High Priest, who is ‘touched with the 
feeling of my infirmities,” is the great source of consola- 
tion, and I bless my God, I think I have divine supports, 
and a light bursting in upon me from heaven, dispelling 
my fears and doubts and saying to me, ‘Be of good — 
cheer, it is I, be not afraid.” 


At noon on the following day, gathering his children 
around him by the side of the loved form from which 
they were parting, until the Resurrection morning, he 
gave utterance to his feelings of submission, of grati- 
tude and of trust in his covenant keeping God, prom- 








65 
ising to be faithful to these children even unto death, 
and to do that for them “by my prayers, my counsels 
and my example, which I believe would be acceptable 


to my departed friend, if she were permitted to speak 
to me from the world of spirits.” 


29. I followed, this afternoon, when prayer had been 


offered by Rev. Mr. Wisner, the dear remains of my ever- 


to-be remembered, and most tenderly beloved friend and 
companion, to the silent mansion of the dead—the 
Bromfield tomb, on the north side of the Chapel burying 
ground. | 

And here I leave till the morning of the Resurrection 
this precious dust, which I have loved so fondly, cherished 
and sheltered with so much care. If I had not an un- 
wavering confidence that her never-dying soul was now 
enjoying the rest of heaven, through the merits of that 
Redeemer whom she loved and served on earth, how 
could I sustain myself a single moment! But I am sus- 
tained. Iamcomforted. Blessed be God, I rejoice in 
her safety. I would not recall her spirit from its happy 
residence, if a breath could do it. I take the cup which 
my Heavenly Father has given me, and say, I humbly 
hope with godly sincerity, ‘Thy will be done.” Let it 
now be my care to walk more closely than I have ever 
done, in the steps of my dear Redeemer, and by faith and 
patience may I one day ‘inherit the promises.” 


‘* Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb, 
Take this new treasure to thy trust, 
And give these sacred relics room 
To slumber in the silent dust. 


66 
‘‘ Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear 
Invade thy bounds. No mortal woes — 


Can reach the peaceful sleeper here 
While angels watch its soft repose.” 


This beloved wife and mother was born June 10, 
1779, and was therefore nearly forty-eight years of age. 


Less than two months had passed, when the aged ~ 


father of this ‘‘ beloved companion” was also stricken 
down, his illness commencing with a severe cold, on 
the 22nd May. On the 25th, (we quote from the 
diary,) ‘Called upon father P. this morning for a 
couple of hours, and toward evening for an hour. He 
had not had an easy night, and has been very feeble 
through the day, though towards night he walked with 
some strength across the room, and when I left him at 
seven o’clock, I thought he bid fair to have a comfort- 
able night, and expressed my desire that he might. He 


took my hand very cordially, and bid me ‘good-bye, 


with his love to the children.’ Little, oh, how little, 
did I think this was to be the last adieu I should ever 
hear from his lips. On the 26th, about twenty min- 
utes past nine in the evening, he quietly breathed his 
last.”” 

It would be doing injustice to the memory of one, 
so pure in character and so benevolent in conduct, 
should we omit to make more particular mention of 
those traits which at once endeared him to his family 
and friends, and secured for him the respect and confi- 
dence of the community in which he lived. 

His hospitable mansion, which, with its spacious 








67 


grounds and tasteful surroundings, made it an object 
of interest to the passer-by, was always the welcome 
and happy resort of the old and young of his family 
circle; and on frequent occasions, of the great and 
good from all parts of the land, who were entertained 
with liberality and social ease at histable. The charm 
of his character was his unaffected simplicity and sin- 
cerity ; he at once commanded the respect of age, and 
the affection of youth. 

The residence here mentioned stood on the ground 
now occupied by storesin Tremont street, nearly oppo- 
site the Stone Chapel burying ground, and had some- 
what the appearance of an old English family mansion. 
It stood back from the street, separated from the side- 
walk by an iron fence. An iron gate opened upon a 
gravelled walk which led up to the front door; on 
either side of this walk, three terraces rose, one above 
another, and several fine trees ornamented the inclos- 
ure. On the left side of the house was the carriage 
yard with the stables.* 


— June 8. Lord's Day. Rev. Mr. Wisner preached this 
afternoon a funeral discourse upon the death of my late 


'* The following note is copied from ‘‘ Drake’s History of 
Boston.” 

‘¢ His [Mr. Peter Faneuil’s] residence, was on the westerly side 
of Tremont street, opposite the old Johnson burying ground, in 
an elegant mansion, built by his uncle, Andrew Faneuil, the 
same in which lived afterwards Lieutenant Governor Phillips. 
Upon a summer-house belonging to it, there was a grasshopper 
for its vane, similar to that upon Faneuil Hall, from the fact, no 
doubt, of its representing the crest of the arms of Faneuil.” 


68 


father-in-law, Hon. William Phillips. His text was from 
Ps. exii. 4, 5, 6: ‘* Unto the upright there ariseth light — 
in the darkness.” 

August 28. Brother and sister B. called upon us this 
morning and spent the day. Conversed with brother B. 
for a couple of hours very profitably and pleasantly. 

October 20. Daughters rode this morning to Dedham, 
and took Miss H. B. and their cousin A. P. with them. 
They visited sister B. who has been quite sick. 


The following is the first mention made of his attend- 
ance at the Mason street Sabbath school. | 


1828. October 19. Lord’s Day. At one o'clock I - 
attended at the Mason street Sabbath school, where my 
daughters S. and A. attend. My daughter S. received a 
book, ‘‘The History of Alfred Campbell,” as the pre- 
mium, being the highest mark of approbation conferred 
by the Examining Committee. Daughter A. received a 
book among the third in rank. Mr. C. Cleaveland 
prayed, and Deacon Kimball addressed the school. 
Deacon Vose, one of the Committee, distributed the 
prizes among the scholars. ‘ 

21. Tuesday. My nephews, William Phillips and 
John C. Phillips, with Doct. Flint, (as medical companion 
of William P.,) sailed this morning for Havana, in the 
brig Atlantic, Captain Hathaway. | 

At about ten, A. M., rode with daughter M. and Miss 
C. Walley to Cambridge, attended the exhibition at the 
College chapel, where George W. Phillips, my nephew, 
delivered the Salutatory in Latin. 

December 11. I completed this morning the regular 








69 


reading of the Holy Scriptures, with Scott’s commentary 
and practical observations entire. I began them several 
years ago. The last year or two I have read more of 
them than during the preceding year. And here I would 
record my gratitude to God, that He has given me health 
and leisure, with the inclination, to peruse these sacred 
pages. They have afforded me incalculable comfort and 
great instruction. I never before understood or enjoyed 
the text of Scripture as I have while reading it with these 
remarks of Dr. Scott, and his practical observations are 
always sound, and useful, and frequently most pathetic 
and impressive. I pray God to make me wiser and 
better by these studies, and as I go through the precious 
Bible, occasionally referring to the places I have marked 
in pencil, may I enjoy the precious and illuminating influ- 
ence of that same Spirit that dictated it, that so my mind 
may be preserved from error, and my heart more than 
ever imbued with its life-giving truths ! 

31. I attended this evening at Park Street Church, a 
meeting of the evangelical churches and others to offer 
praise for the mercies of the year just closing, to review 
the goodness of God in an especial manner to the churches 
here and elsewhere, and to supplicate His blessing for the 
coming year. I felt that it was good to be there, and 
pray that I may be quickened to the more faithful dis- 
charge of duty, and to more engagedness in my Master’s 
service. How many pressing motives have I to be thus 
diligent and engaged. How differently does the ap- 
proaching year open upon me from any that have preceded 
it! And since my last record at this interesting season, 
what afflictions have I been called to sustain! The 
partner of my joys and sorrows, the friend and com- 
panion of my youth, snatched as if were in a moment 


70 


from my side, and her aged and venerated father gence eo 
following. : 

Oh, what cause have I for serious meditation, for holy 
submission, for filial confidence! Blessed be God! it is 
for Him to bring good out of evil, and light out of dark-— 
ness. May He in this case overrule all my bereavements | 
and trials for His own glory, and enable me to say with 
a childlike spirit, ‘* The will of the Lord be done.” I 
desire to close this year with a hearty and true confession 
of my sins, secret and open, with an expression of my 
faith in Jesus Christ, the great atoning sacrifice. 

I desire the aids of the Holy Spirit to renovate my 
soul, to strengthen me for duties and trials, and to make 
me useful, if it please Him, in some humble part of my 
Master’s vineyard. 


1829. April 12. Son S. entered this day upon the 
duties of his appointment as Superintendent of Mason 
street Sabbath school. May the Lord give him grace to 
be faithful in this responsible situation, and honor him as 
an instrument of great good to the children petpciete to 
his care. 

October 12. Monday. I left Boston for Northampton 
to be present at the marriage of my son, expected to 
take place on the evening of the 14th instant. 

14. Wednesday. ‘The marriage of my son. 


A blank page is left, doubtless for particulars of the 
ceremony and festivities of the evening, in place of — 
which we insert the following, found on a separate 
paper, but having reference to the two, whose interests 
were henceforth to be united. 








ra 


_ Bless each individual of this family, and regard us 
according to our respective trials, infirmities, necessities 
and duties. Especially look in great kindness upon Thy 
young servant, who is soon to leave the paternal roof, to 
enter upon new and high and solemn responsibilities. 
Be Thou his shield and guide, his refuge and his joy, 
and may he by a holy life and conversation diffuse a 
salutary light through a wide circle, and be the honored 
instrument in thy hand of alluring many around to walk 
in wisdom’s ways. May the friend with whom he is to 
be associated in the tenderest relation of life, be a help 
provided from on high, and be instrumental of great 
good to Thy servant, and oh, may they be heirs together 
of an eternal inheritance beyond the grave. 


- 1830. May 9. Attended with my three daughters 


all day at Sabbath School, and Old South Church. Rev. 


Dr. Wisner preached. ‘The text in the morning was 
from Haggai, ii. 3: ‘‘ Who is left among you that saw 


_ this house in her first glory?” In the afternoon, from 


Ps. Ixxvii. 11, 12, 13: ‘I will remember the works of 
the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I 
will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” 
These are the commencement of his Centennial sermons, 
with reference to the origin of the Old South Church, 
the building of the present house, &c. One hundred 
years having been completed, this Sabbath, since the 
present house was opened for religious worship. He is 
to resume his narrative next Sabbath, 

16. Lords Day. Rev. Dr. W. continued his history 
of the Old South Church, and completed in his two dis- 
courses to-day, the history he commenced last Sabbath. 
His morning text was in Isa. lix. 19. In the afternoon, 


712 


from Jer. vi. 16. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the 


ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the — ; 


good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for 
your souls.” | 


‘The following pleasant passage occurs in notes of a 
visit to Northampton. 


June 17. Visited Amherst. Called on Dr. Humphrey, 
who showed me the view from the cupola of the Chapel, 
which was one of the most rich and beautiful that the 
imagination can conceive. The eminence on which the 
College buildings stand, is in the midst of a rich valley, 
and the cultivation under the feet, and the clusters of 
villages in every direction, affords a feast for the eye 
which can scarcely be surpassed. Hills in New Hamp- 
shire. fifty miles distant, are visible. 

September 11. Lord’s Day. My lesson at the Sabbath 
school to-day led me to speak much upon the establish-. 


ment and benefits of the Sabbath. Having looked con-— ey 
siderably into the subject the week past, I am grieved to — 


think how much, how often, and how greatly, I have: 
violated this holy day in thought, word, and action ; not 
only in times before my mind became serious, but since 
I have known something of divine truth, and felt, as I 
hope, something of its influence upon my own heart. I: 
pray God to forgive me, for Christ’s sake, these repeated 
violations of a plain moral duty, and to give me grace to 
be more guarded for the time to come, and to strive that 
every hour and minute of the holy Sabbath, may be spent 
in the service of God, honoring Him designedly, whether » 
I eat, or drink, or whatever I do, and doing all in the 
name of the Lord Jesus. 








73 


1832. March 18. I think I enjoyed communion with 
my Heavenly Father this morning, as I have rarely done. 
My heart feels as though I could not ‘lose the relish all 
my days ;” yet how liable I shall be without the closest 
watch, to slumber in duty, and forget my crown in the 
heavens. O what a dreadful, ensnaring world is this! 
How easy is it to put aside the Saviour, with all His 
charms and love, and glory, and take to my bosom the 
veriest trifles in creation as though they were of more 
value than an omnipotent Saviour. 


‘‘ Break, Sovereign Grace, these tyrant lusts, 
And set the captive free.” 


I have been reading of Jacob’s vow, (Gen. xxviii. 20,) 
at that most interesting period of his life when he was 
flying from the hand of Esau his brother, and when he 
had been favored at Bethel with the visions of God, and 
received from Him fresh assurances of protection and 
_ favor. And, in the course of my devotions just referred 
to, I presumed (I trust in entire dependence on God’s 
strength) to adopt Jacob’s vow as my own; and I here 
record it, for my examination from time to time, and as 
a witness against me when I violate it. 

>> If God will be with me, and will keep me in the 
way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment 
to put on, so that I come to my Heavenly Father’s house 
in peace, then shall the Lord be my God, and His service, 
honor and worship shall constitute my employment and 
happiness, the little period I have to pass in the present 
world. 


1833. April16. The teachers of Mason street Sab- 
bath School met at my house this evening to hear the 
7 > 


74 


~ communication of our late Superintendent, resigning the 


charge of the school. After passing a vote in reference 
to my son’s letter, they voted unanimously to request the 
Board of Managers of the Sabbath School Union to ap- 
point me as Superintendent. I declined the appointment, 
but promised to take charge of the school for several Sab- 
baths, and to do whatever appeared my duty, and for the 
best interests of the school. " 

28. Lord’s Day. I opened the school this morning, 
and in the afternoon notified the school of my accept- 
ance of the Superintendency, to which 1 have been 
appointed. . 


During several of the following years, the pages of 
the Diary are mainly occupied with the simple record 
of facts in the family history, and frequent accounts of 
visits to the scholars of his Sabbath School. 

Of the many persons who, during a period of more 
than forty years, were in service in his family, it is 
doubtful if any were allowed to leave without receiving 
some evidence that he remembered that they, as well as 
he, had souls to be saved. ‘This was done by the gift 
of a book, a kind word of advice, or the selection of 
some striking narrative, accompanying the reading of 
the Scriptures in the family, when they were always 
expected to be present. Eternity alone will reveal 
how many young feet have thus been turned from the 
brink of ruin; and how many have been aroused from 
their guilty slumbers, and led to seek diligently for 
‘‘ the pearl of great price,” until they found it. 

In selecting from the Diary—many passages of the 








To 


deepest interest are of a character so private and sacred, 
that we would be very slow in bringing them to the 
light, at all. It is only here and there, where they 
seem to mark a new era, as it were, in his Christian 
life, that it seems at all justifiable to insert passages of 
this nature. May the happy influence of the spirit 
which they breathe, prove the wisdom of the excep- 
tions. 

_ With this view, the following remarks and prayer, 
are introduced. From this period we notice a more 
especial devotion of his time and energies to the cause 
in which he had now enlisted ; a loving devotion which 
never tired, until having finished the work assigned 
him, he “entered into his Master’s joy.” 


1837. April12. Through the abounding goodness of 
God, I am brought to this day. Fifty-nine years have I 
lived in this world of trial and sin! I am ashamed to 
take a review of my life. It has been full of folly, 
thoughtlessness and sin. ‘* My repentance needs to be 
repented of,” and if I have any grace, it is very weak, 
and very wavering. 

My Heavenly Father! If Thou art condescending to 
make me at all useful in the world through the Sabbath 
School, oh give me the grace to be humble; fit me for 
the situations in which I may be called to act, and furn- 
ish me, for the faithful and successful discharge of all 
duty. I desire henceforth to give myself to the work of 
the Sabbath School, and would spend my strength and 
my life in advancing its best interests. 

Divine Spirit! Breathe into me an earnest desire to 
be eminently useful to the rising generation, and dwell 


76 


with me, with all Thy Megane , enlightening and re- 
freshing influences. . 

_ Blessed Redemer! Conform me more and more to 
Thyself. May I copy Thy meekness, Thy gentleness, 
Thy tenderness to little children, Thy faithfulness in re- 
proving sin, Thy deadness to the world, Thy devotion to. 
the Father’s glory. May I so imitate and walk with 
Thee on earth, that I may be fitted and prepared to enjoy 
Thy presence through a vast eternity. 

God of my life, Father, Son, and Spirit, to Thee, the 
one True God, do I dedicate myself anew, with all I am, 
for Thy service on earth, and in heaven. I would have 
from this time no willof my own; let it be swallowed up 
in Thine, and what pleaseth Tux, shall please me. 

Resolved, That I will endeavor no day shall pass with- 
ont, in some way or another, doing good to my neighbor, 
(from love to God,) either in his mind, body, or estate ; 
following as far as in me lies, the example of my dear 
Master, who when He was in the flesh upon earth, “‘ went 
about doing good.” 


1838. December 26. Wednesday. At half past seven 
o’clock this evening, my daughter, S. H. W., was united 
_ by marriage with Doct. W. K. B., of Philadelphia. The 
ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. B., Rev. Mr. G. 
offering the concluding prayer. 


1839. June 4. Bade farewell to my dwelling in 
Beacon street, I trust for a season only, and left for 
Havre, in France, via New York. Son S. accompanied 
me with my daughters to the cars, where we were met 
and exchanged farewells with a number of other friends. 

8. Saturday. Bade farewell to New York, and ac- 








77 


companied by my daughters M. and A., and Mrs. B. and 
her husband, went on board the ship Poland, Capt. 
Anthony. 

9. Lord’s Day. The broad Atlantic! Strong breeze. 
Foggy. Ship going at the rate of seven or eight knots an 
hour. Ship very much on her side; we could do nothing 
to advantage in the way of religious exercises. 

10. Took a letter from what I call my Post Office, 
this morning. It was from Mr. F. A. B. These letters 
I am to open from day to day, during the voyage, in con- 
sequence of a suggestion to the teachers and scholars of 
Mason street Sabbath School, that I might be daily re- 
minded of them. A very happy and kind suggestion ! 

23. Lord’s Day. Attended a religious service on 
deck, many of the passengers with the crew standing and 
sitting around. ‘The sun was bright, the breeze was 
pleasant, and all conspired to make it an interesting ser- 
vice. God grant that it may prove to have been a profit- 
able one to all on board. Handed some tracts to the 
second mate to give the crew. My package to-day was 
from Mr. J. F. B., and contained a sailor’s magazine, 
which, by his desire, I gave to the man at the wheel. 

27. Took a French pilot about eight, A. M., and the 
tide exactly favoring, sailed directly into the port of 
Havre, which cannot be entered by vessels drawing much 
water, except at high tide. We are thus eighteen days 
and eighteen hours from New York. 


From this time the Diary notes are comparatively 
brief, his descriptions of visits to interesting localities 
being reserved for letters home. Only an occasional 
extract therefore will be given. 


* 


78 


July 2. Paris. Left Rouen this morning at seven — 3 


o’clock in a diligence for this city, which we reached at 
seven, P. M. The distance about sixty miles. 
. 1840. January 30. Received among other letters, 
one yesterday, from my niece, Miss C. W., in which she 
gives me a very tender statement in detail of the sickness \ 
and death of her father. * 1 *),*a9* 
_ May 27. Letters received by the ‘“ Great Western’ 
convey to me the painful intelligence of the death of my 
esteemed niece, C. W. She died in Walpole, N. H., 
Friday, 1st instant. This is indeed sad intelligence. 
Her mother, feeble and just mourning the loss of her 
husband, she was left apparently to be the staff and stay 
of her disconsolate parent. In a moment she is cut 
down, and her mother is written childless! But it is all 
from above, and a sovereign God, who “ giveth not 
account of any of His matters,” has done it. Father, 
Thy will be done. 

November 16. Passy, near Paris. Our letters from 
home were peculiarly acceptable this dull, rainy day. I 
shall understand better than ever, and feel the force of 
the expression, ‘* As cold water. toa thirsty soul, so is 
good news from a far country.” 

December 28. Paris. Visited the Museum of Acie 
lery on the south side of the Seine, and examined the 
very curious and interesting collection of guns and other 
implements of war, with the suits of armor as worn by 
many distinguished men of ancient times,—more than 
a hundred sets; among others, that of Francis 1., of 
France on horseback... Saw the dagger with which 
Ravaillac assassinated Henry IV., of France. Also, 
some pistols, &c., studded with diamonds and other 
costly stones made in Holland for the sovereign of 








79 


Morocco some time since, but not allowed to be sent 
him. 


1841. January1. Through the abounding goodness 
of God, Iam brought to see the commencement of an- 
other year. ‘The past has been a year of mercies. Ina 
strange land, far away from my own fireside, and the 
objects with which I have for threescore years been daily 
familiar, yet how many comforts have I enjoyed, and 
how much effectual protection has been granted me! I 
here record my grateful acknowledgments to my heaven- 
ly Benefactor, thanking Him not only for mercy shown 
to me, but to those about me, and who are so dear to me. 
By the help of God, I resolye to improve the residue of 
life, whether it be short or long, in more active service 
for God. Especially I resolve to bend my energies toward 
improving the character of the rising generation in every 
way in my power. eed the lambs, is my motto. 


On the 31st March he bid farewell to the friends 
whose kindness had lightened the burdens resting upon 
him during so long an absence from his native land, 


and on the 6th April, 1841, he reached London with 
his children. 


_ April 24. London. We visited this morning the 
House of Lords, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of 
London. How often have I heard and thought and 
spoken of that venerable and consecrated pile, Westmin- 
ster Abbey! and how little did I once imagine I should 
ever tread its consecrated aisles, and read with my own 
eyes the inscriptions which cover its sides! But I have 
done so, and the view has given me a deeper conviction 


80 


than ever, of the vanity of human greatness, and the 
insufficiency of all things apart from vital piety to impart 
a real value to the memory of the dead ! 

If Gay could speak from the unseen world, what he 
appears by the epitaph to speak from the tomb, he would: 
not say, “life is a jest.” O, what a price was paid for 
the human soul by the Son of God, and can that life be 
a jest which, according as it is passed, stamps the soul 
for an eternity of bliss or woe? It is the fool only who 
has said in his heart, ‘‘ There is no God,” and it is 
moral madness to cast away as worthless what the 
Redeemer’s blood was shed to save and to bless. 

August 2. Monday. Op shipboard, bound for home. 
Rose at midnight; full moon, very clear and beautiful 
night. Noticed with great pleasure the lighthouse on 
Long Island Head, and the one at the entrance of Boston 
harbor. We reached Cunard’s wharf, East Boston, at 
half past two, A. M., in safety and comfort. * * * 

8. Lord’s Day. At half past one o’clock, Mr. M. and 
Mr. B. came as a Committee from the Mason street 
Sabbath School, to invite me back to resume my duties 
in that school, and to unite in the exercises they had pre- 
pared for my reception. I found the school full to over-. 
flowing of parents, teachers and scholars, with many 
other invited friends, who gave me a most cordial wel- 
come. ‘The prayer, addresses and hymns were all appro- 
priate, and of a most affectionate and grateful character. 
My feelings were much touched, and my gratification at 
such a sincere and spontaneous welcome was more than 
I can express. The remarks which I was strengthened 
to make, were dictated by an ardent attachment to the 
school, but I felt that they were tame in comparison with 
the warmth of those which were expressed by the school. 








81 


The whole service was of a complexion I shall never 
forget, and cannot be too grateful for. Many hands 
were extended to me after the service was over, and 
many bright young eyes were glistening to see me once 
more among them. 


1843. August 9. Son S.’s second daughter, T. M., 
after a very short sickness, was taken out of life this 
morning. She was a very lovely child, exceedingly 
fascinating in her manners, and had won upon the affec- 
tions of her parents and friends to a high degree. She 
was about two years and ten months old. 


A 


1845. March 18. By letters this evening from Wash- 
ington, it appears that Mr. I. C.B., one of the State 
Senators in Congress, died at Washington, Sabbath even- 
ing last. * * * His loss will be most severely felt 
by his family, and a large circle of friends who were 
attached to him very cordially. His character was so 
amiable in every point of view, and the noble and gener- 
ous feelings of his heart were so constantly in exercise, 
that he attracted universal esteem and secured the confi- 
dence of the whole community. 

_ November 4. Sister P. breathed her last about eight 
o’clock this evening, without a struggle. She has been a 
most affectionate sister to me, and I shall never forget 
the numberless evidences of her affection for me and 
mine. She was- seventy-three years old on the 25th 
March last. 

8. Attended this afternoon the funeral of my sister. 
Rev. Mr. Lothrop offered prayer with the mourners. 


82 
1848. April12. Through the great goodness and oF 


sparing mercy of my Heavenly Father, I have been — e: 
permitted this day to reach the period of three-score 


years and ten, a period I had no reason to expect from 
the comparatively feeble frame I appeared to inherit. 

August 3. My nephew, C. W., called upon me this 
morning to say that his father, my brother Thomas, died 
last night at twelve o’clock. He was about eighty sais : 
of age. 

4, Attended this afternoon the funeral of my broken 
Thomas Walley. 

September 5. I resigned this day, by letter, my office 
as a ‘Trustee of Phillips Academy, which I have held for 
thirty-seven years. My son was chosen by the Board 
this afternoon to supply my place. 

1849. June 17. Daughter M. has been very weak to- 
day ; her strength is rapidly failing. Upon my speaking to, 
her in the afternoon of my service at the Sabbath School, 
she desired me to tell the scholars, from her, ** That they 


must seek Christ now, while in health, if they hoped and a 


wished for His supports and consolations on the bed of 
sickness and death.” She said, ** Christ is my rock, and 
my only refuge.” I said to her, ‘“¢ You do not now regret. 
giving your affections to your Saviour?” ‘QO no,” she 
replied, ‘* He is all my support.” ‘a 
22. Dr. R. saw M. this morning. Sheasked himto 
tell her plainly of her situation. He did so, said ‘ that 
she might remain two or three days, and might pass 
away this very day.’ She said, “‘ She was entirely willing. 
She would not alter any thing, or have one pain less.” 4 
25. Monday. At half past two o’clock, this morning, 


I was called to witness the last hours of my dear daughter 4 


M. Her breathing became shorter and shorter, and 





: 


a4 





83 


finally, without the slightest struggle, her emancipated 
spirit was released, and she was taken to the arms of 
that Saviour whom she loved and acknowledged while 
living, and with whom she hoped to dwell forever in the 
mansions He has promised to His humble followers. 


About half an hour before her death, her kind phy- 
sician who had been watching by her for some time, 
said to her, “‘ Jesus is with you now,” when she replied 
with strong emphasis, and a smile which lighted up 
her whole face, “Sweet thought! sweet thought!” 
It almost seemed as if the glory which was so soon to 
be revealed to her, had begun to dawn upon her vision. 


Yes, to ‘* depart and be with Christ,” 
Was ‘‘ better far” for thee, 

For us the pain, the aching void, 
For thee the victory. 


Freed from the fetters that have bound 
Thy spirit to its clay, 

O loved one! now thy night has passed, 
The shadows fled away. 


Thy night of patient suffering 
Known to thy God alone, 

While star by star, with fading ray, 
Whispered life’s work is done. 


Then, underneath thy sinking frame, 
Th’ Everlasting Arms were laid, 
And ’mid the swell of Jordan’s flood, 

Thy soul on Christ was stayed. 


84 


A voice which oft had whispered peace, © 
Spoke of His presence near, 

Who conqtiered death and hell, and lives 
The dying saint to cheer. 


Life’s ebbing tide flowed back once more, 
And o’er thy features brought 

A smile of heavenly joy, that told 
‘* How sweet, how sweet the thought.” 


Sure He was with thee in that hour, 
His promise ever stands, 

Ne’er to forsake the soul that trusts 
Its all in Jesus’ hands. 


At early dawn broke in the light 
Of heaven on thy soul, 

Its pearly gates and mansions fair, 
The weary pilgrim’s goal. 


Now, safe, at rest, thy sufferings o’er, 
Sister, we joy with thee! 

With saints in light thy dwelling place 
Forevermore shall be. 


One evening, but a short time after this bereave- 
ment, as we stood by the window looking up, as he 
loved to do, at that ‘Spacious firmament on high,’ — 
but the thoughts of both going beyond the stars,—he 
said gently, “My daughter, What are they doing 
there? What is she doing now?” And soon after, 
drew from his pocket-book those. beautiful lines on 
«‘ Heaven,” now so familiar to us, “ What will it be to 
, be there?’ and read them aloud. I found them after- 
ward carefully preserved. In a little more than a year 








85 


it was given him also to know “ what things God hath 
prepared for them that love Him.” 

On the 25th July, 1850, at the age of seventy-two, 
“‘ the silver cord was loosed,” and parent and child were 
again united. ‘The entries in his Diary during this 
intervening time are brief. He left home on the 25th 
June, with his daughter, for a journey to Niagara and 
Canada, meeting at Springfield a valued friend who 
accompanied them. He enjoyed all the beautiful and 
glorious things which met his eye, looking through 
them all to Him who made and upheld all. The 
words of the poet were often on his lips. 


««These are Thy glorious works, Parent of good! 
Almighty, Thine this universal frame 
Thus wondrous fair: Thyself how wondrous then!” 


Thus resting upon God, his spirit was kept in per- 
fect peace. During a storm in the night, on the St. 
Lawrence, returning from Montreal, when the black- 
ness of darkness made it necessary to ring the bells 
and stop the boat continually, and there was much 
commotion on board, he replied to an expression of 
anxiety, with his sweet smile of perfect confidence, 
ss My child, we are in good hands, the best hands.” 

The Sabbath School always attracted him, and when- 
ever his strength permitted, he gladly availed himself 
of opportunities to visit these pleasant places. He 
visited the Sabbath School attached to Rev. Mr. Dag- 


gett’s church in Canandaigua, and that at Rochester, 
; | 


86 


connected with the Presbyterian church under the care 
of Rev. Mr. Shaw. 

On Sunday, the 14th, he makes the last entry in 
his Diary, with the exception of a note of the weather, 
the next day. ‘Attended this morning with A. at 
Rey. Mr. Wilkes’s church. He preached a most ex- 
cellent sermon, from 2 Cor. xii. 10: ¢ For when I am 
weak, then am I strong.’”” The text and sermon were 
peculiarly adapted to his feelings, and he greatly en- 
joyed the service. It was the last time that he was to 
worship in a ‘temple made with hands,” the lagt time 
he was to unite in prayer and praise with worshipers 
in the earthly sanctuary, whither he had during so 
many years found it good to go up. “ How goodly 
are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel.” 
« JT would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my 
God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness,”—so 
had he often exclaimed with the Psalmist. 

On Saturday afternoon, the 20th July, we reached 
the hotel at Burlington, from Ludlow, much exhausted. 
A terribly severe July storm had delayed the train, 
rendering the day a very fatiguing one. It was hoped 
that with a few days of rest and medical advice, he 
would rally from the attack under which he had been 
suffering for some days. But the disease had taken a 
stronger hold than either he, or those with him, had 
suspected. As he lay upon his bed on Sabbath even- 
ing, he said to the writer, “Sing me some hymns ;” 
and some of those to which he loved to listen at home 
at that hour were sung. “ There is a fountain filled 








87 


with blood,” and «Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” 
On reaching the line, «‘ When I tread the verge of 
Jordan,” a strangely terrible possibility mingled with. 
the thought, yet neither imagined that he had drawn 
so near “ the brink of the river.” 

Monday and Tuesday he lay most of the time with 
his eyes closed, except when aroused to take medicine 
or nourishment, or by the entrance of the physician, 
whom he always received with a smile, sometimes 
with a pleasant remark on the beautiful view of the 
lake (Champlain) from the window of his room. 

Wednesday morning being asked would he like to 
hear the newspaper, he replied, “Read to me first 
your mother’s chapter and the 23d Psalm.” The 14th 
chapter of John, so long associated with her, was 
accordingly read to him, now doubly hallowed, and 
the 23d Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” &c. 
How many a dying believer has been strengthened 
and cheered by these “ great and precious promises.” 
In this instance they were doubtless’ selected, not 
merely for his own comfort, but as the means of 
imparting consolation to those so dear to him to whom 
he might no longer minister. Precious legacy! which 
moth and rust cannot corrupt, nor thieves break 
through and steal! 

In the afternoon, the physicians having expressed 
the conviction that no remedies could avail, he was 
informed of it. He received the intimation very 
quietly, and sent his love to the dear onesat home. In 
reply to the question, ‘Have you any word for your 


88 


Sabbath School?’ he answered after a moment’s pause, 
“TI have said it all.”’ Blessed consciousness, when 
heart and flesh were failing, that he had left nothing 
of counsel or earnest admonition to that hour. His 
life’s work was done, and he had “ nothing to do but 
to die.” ‘There was a close pressure of the hand, and 
the words, “You don’t know how much I love you,” 
and his strength was exhausted. Happily, he retained 
his consciousness sufficiently to recognize his son, who 
reached Burlington on Thursday morning. 

At half past five o’clock on Thursday afternoon, 
July 20th, as we knelt around his bed, and a friend, 
whom we doubt not he has met in glory, commended. 
his spirit in prayer to the Saviour, he gently breathed 
away his life, and passed from earth to join our loved 
and lost among “ the innumerable multitude who have 
washed their robes and made them white in the blood 
of the Lamb.” . 


Loved One! we follow on, with grateful hearts 
For all thy patient love, thy watchful care, 
For the sweet memory of thy earnest zeal 
To serve thy Saviour, and His image bear. 


To plant th’. undying seed of heavenly truth 
In the fresh spring-time, ere the tares appear, 
Seeking with earnest prayer the heavenly dew 
Each goodly plant in glowing strength to rear. 


Father Divine! we own Thy gracious care! 

We trust Thy promise never to forsake ; 

A ‘‘place for us,” Saviour wilt Thou prepare, 
__ That we ere long, may of its bliss partake. 








89 


We copy the following notice which appeared in the 
«‘ Well-Spring,” at the time, as a true testimony from 
those who had long known and labored with him in 
the Sabbath School cause. 


**The Massachusetts Sabbath School Society has been 
deeply afflicted in the recent death of Samury H. Wat.ey, 
Esq.,a long tried and devoted friend, and an efficient member 
of its Board of Managers. Mr. Walley was chosen a mem- 
ber of the Board of Managers, at the second Annual Meeting 
of the Society in 1834, and has ever since been a member, 
and also the Chairman of the Financial or Depository Com- 
mittee. He has manifested an almost paternal interest in 
the Society, ever constant and punctual at all its meetings, 
and those of the Board and of his Committee; and ever wise 
in counsel and ready to any personal service that would be 
for the good of the institution. . 

<¢Mr. Walley has for many years been a most indefatigable 
Superintendent of the Mason street Sabbath School in this 
city. Though upwards of seventy-two years of age, yet he 
has exhibited an activity, a zeal, a soul-stirring interest in 
his work, probably surpassed by few superintendents in the 
country. We think there were few objects on earth, except- 
ing his family and friends, in which he felt a deeper interest, 
and to which he devoted more earnest thought and labor, 
than to the Sabbath School, and the Sabbath School Society, 
with which he was connected. 

«¢ A few Sabbaths since, during his absence on a journey, 
from which he was returning, when suddenly summoned 


to his reward,—we visited and addressed his beloved and 
* 


Ae 
ne 


; 90 


now bereaved Sabbath School. We deeply sympathize with 


his afflicted teachers and pupils. Many are the words of © 


encouragement and exhortation that he has addressed to. 
them; and though now dead, may they remember he yet 
speaketh to them and to us all.” 


In Green-brier Path, among the quiet shades of 


Mt. Auburn, lie the mortal remains of this beloved 
parent, by the side of wife and children, and grand- 
children. A quiet resting place! Yet, to the listening 
heart, what utterances of love, and patience, and hope 
fall upon the ear. ‘“ Voices of the night,” they speak 
still more loudly of the Day—the bright Resurrection 
morning, when this precious dust shall be quickened, 
and through Him who is “the Resurrection and the 
Life” shall put on a glorious immortality. In that 
home may the broken circle be again complete. 


‘* No wanderer lost— 
A family in Heaven.” 


aH i 


iL 








LETTERS. 


_ To one who found such refreshment from the perusal 
of letters from friends, whether abroad or at home, 
letter-writing could never be a burden—it was, on the 
contrary, an unfailing resource and pleasure. ‘T'o use 
his pen, seemed as natural to him as to breathe, and 
this gift, if so it may be called, enabled him to reach 
many minds who would not have been susceptible to 
other influences. 

The letters which follow are for the most part, those 
which he wrote to members of his own family, while 
abroad. 

_ The first two letters were written at a much earlier 
date, to his daughter, then on a visit to friends in 
Andover, and shows the facility with which he could 
adapt himself to the young, so as to make truth clear 


and also attractive. © 


Boston, Jury 14, 1819. 


My Dear M.,—You seem to be surrounded by kind 
friends, and it rejoices us to hear that your health of 


92 


body improves ; above all, that you feel new and strong 
desires to obtain spiritual health. The ‘‘ new and living 
way” opened in the gospel, is by Jesus Christ, remem- 
ber. There is no other way, no other name, no other 
foundation but this. He loves the youthful prayer, and 
on your knees you will grow ‘ wise unto salvation.” You 
cannot too early give yourself to God. The considera- 
tion that no age is exempt from the arrest of death, is of 
itself sufficient to prompt to instant effort to secure * the 
good part,” ‘the one thing needful; ” the imperishable in- 
heritance, so that whenever death approaches, it may find 
us ready, willing, triumphant. To the Christian, what a 
broad promise is given by the Apostle, ‘* Life and death, 
all things are yours.” 


Aveust, 1819. 

My Dear M.,—We would suggest to you a word of 
counsel and comfort. ‘‘'The desire of grace, (the heart- 
felt desire,) 7s grace.” This is a feeling not to be found 
in the natural heart, nor is it of the evil one’s suggestion. - 
Whose suggestion then can it be, but His who causes us 
*¢ to will and to do of His good pleasure ? ” 

You have only to go to your condescending Saviour 
just as you are, and cast yourself at His feet, to be taught, 
moulded and governed by Him, and He will undertake 
your case. You need not fear rejection. Fear only a. 
careless walk, and an insincere profession. Say to your 
divine Saviour, as the ardent David said, ‘‘ I am thine ;” 
and the holy resolution is at once recorded in heaven, to 
the joy of its glorified inhabitants. 








95 


Having made this dedication of yourself to the service 
of God, strive to show the power, the beauty and efficacy 
of the truths you have received. Be serious and watch- 
ful in your secret duties, in your study of the Scriptures, 
and in your conversation upon religious subjects; but at 
the same time remember to be uniformly cheerful, and 
continue to be meek, affectionate, obliging and active in 
your intercourse with the world. Let the ‘‘ sweet smile” 
of youth habitually play upon your countenance, and con- 
tribute to render more engaging your conversation and 
actions. The true Christian is the only person in the 
world who has a right to be cheerful. 

Assert then this right, when you feel your title good, 
and show the world that religion and happingss go hand 
in hand. And always remember to distinguish between 
levity and cheerfulness.- A Christian should never in- 
dulge in the former, and always degrades his profession 
and tarnishes his evidences when he does. . Cheerfulness 
is also essential to the preservation of health. You have 
not nerves of brass nor sinews of steel, and therefore 
everything you can do consistently with duty, you should 
do to promote it. Even several thousand years ago, it 
was recorded in your Directory, that a merry, (that is a 
cheerful heart,) “‘doeth good like a medicine ;” but “a 
broken spirit drieth the bones.” So far, my M., in the 
way of counsel. As to comfort, I say to you, be dwell- 
ing upon your mercies; think how large, how constant, 
how unmerited they are, and rejoice also that your eyes 
are so far open, that you can see the hand of Him who 
bestows them, that you are allowed to call Him your 
Father in heaven, and that you have large promises of 
still richer blessings in reserve. 


pA Ss . 2 


2 oe 


_ “The promises I sing | 
Which sovereign love hath Be, 
Nor will the Eternal King 
His words of grace revoke ; 
They stand secure, 
And steadfast still, Paks a. 
Not Zion’s hill | \- 
Abides so sure. a 


‘<The mountains melt away 
When once the Judge appears, 
And sun and moon decay 
That measure mortal years ; 
But still the same, 
In radiant lines, 
The promise shines 
Through all the flame. 


‘¢ Their harmony shall sound 
Through my attentive ears, 
When thunders cleave the ground, 
And dissipate the spheres ; 
Midst all the shock 
Of that dread.scene, 
I stand serene, 
Thy Word my Rock.” 


The preceding you may have heard me read, perhaps, 
from my little black hymn book. You may now feel a 
new interest in the Promises, and you here see on what 
solid grounds they rest. 








95 


Passy, 11th August, 1839. | 

My Dear Daughter,—In this rural and pleasant retreat 
from the bustle of Paris, I am passing with daughters, a 
silent Sabbath. The church I intended to have visited, 
and the one where I shall probably worship through the 
winter, is repairing, and will not be re-opened till next 
week. It is an Episcopal church in which a Mr. Lovett 
officiates. He is represented to be an excellent preacher, 
and an engaged and devoted Christian. He has a Sab- 
bath School attached to his church, in which about one 
hundred children are instructed. By and by I hope to 
visit it. The distance of the church is considerable, (two 
and a half miles at least,) and this will sometimes, I fear, 
make it inconvenient and unpleasant to attend. Under 
these circumstances we must take our Bibles, and ask 
God to be a little sanctuary in the midst of us. 

‘In the multitude of my thoughts within me,” while 
‘the comforts of God delight my soul,’ I am frequently 
straying in imagination across the wide ocean that sepa- 
rates, and placing myself at the side of those-dear friends, 
who seem to me dearer than ever. I am now thinking 
of Roxbury, with all the delightful associations of Mount 
Pleasant, and thus am I reminded of the affectionate let- 
ter you addressed me on the 12th June, which I have 
acknowledged, but not replied to. You need not’ be 
troubled about the difficulty of deciphering your pages. 
Even my poor eyes can run over the lines with the facility 
of a lover over the billet of his dear one; but even sup- 
posing the worst, how stupid and ungrateful should I be, 
not to value the sense and information which finally may 
be discovered! We should not think much of the taste 
or understanding, of one who should complain bitterly of 


~ 


96 


a little labor in breaking a hard shell, if the meat within 
was found to be delicious! The application is easy. 

You say you have just been viewing the stars, and sur- 
veying Jupiter’s moons. We had no opportunity for this 
on board the Poland. We had no good glass, the motion 
of the ship was unfavorable, and added to this, she 
careened so much, a large portion of the voyage, that we 
could not walk the deck, and had to brace ourselves in the 
cabin and state rooms to keep our position. Several 
times, with all the guards interposed, the dishes and plates 
at dinner, would be thrown from one side to the other! 
This state of things would make Jupiter and his moons 
dance too gaily, for astronomical observation. 

But all these hindrances did not prevent us from seeing 
and admiring those beautiful lights which adorn our 
heavens, and which present to our gaze the same mild 
and pleasant aspect, whether on land or ocean, whether in 
Europe or America. In contemplating these glorious 
orbs, how naturally does the reflecting mind connect with 
them the Star of Bethlehem, so sweetly referred to by 
Kirke White. 


‘‘Qne star alone of all the train, 
Can fix the sinner’s wand’ring eye.” 


And may I not say, and you too, 


‘«That was my light, my guide, my all, 
It bade my dark foreboding’s cease; 
And thro’ the storm and danger’s thrall, 
It led me to the port of peace.” 


“You speak of Henshaw rolling on the floor, and collect- 
ing the dust. Were he in France, he would literally 








8 


* wax stronger and stronger ” by such exercise ; that is, 
he would be thoroughly waxed, for our floors are all of 
wood, (a kind of oak,) waxed and rubbed every week. 
_ The king’s parlor, (Louis 16th,) I noticed was of the 
same fashion. Strips of board about four inches wide 
and twenty inches long. 

' We rode a little yesterday afternoon, and passed the 
palaces of St. Cloud and Neuilly. The latter is the 
favorite residence of the king. The arrangements are 
in comfortable style, and he feels more at home there, 
than at any other of his chateaux. We rode along the 
banks of the Seine for some time. The season being 
unusually dry, the river was very low, and generally it is 
quite narrow. At some periods it is even fordable, and 
I should think would be so soon in this vicinity, if the 
dry weather continnes. The Seine is only about seventy 
French leagues in extent, having its source in the forest 
of Chanceaux, in the Department of the Cote-d’or. In 
comparison with the Connecticut, itis a mere rill. I am 
told its height is measured daily and with great accuracy, 
and when it rises to a certain point, it is allowed to inun- 
date a portion of Paris called Champs Elysées, which is 
the lowest spot in the city, and which is covered with a 
beautiful wood. 

In passing the river yesterday, we saw scores of women 
at the water’s edge, with their tubs, washing clothes, 
rinsing them in the stream, beating them, &c. These 
females were many of them standing a foot deep in the 
water all the while they were engaged in the process. I 
hope they are not susceptible of sore throats from their 
feet being wet. 

We met, the day before yesterday, the king passing 
into Paris en St. Cloud. 


98 


Passy, NoveMBER 24, 1839. 

My Dear Daughter,—I am glad my letter to M. was 
so acceptable. She must not forget her aged grandfather. 
Probably she is making rapid progress in study. If she 
has nearly finished Hume’s History of England, possibly 
it may help to fix certain things of much importance in 7 
her mind, to commit to memory the following lines, and 
when I see her, I hope she will Tee ehy them to me, with- 
out missing a word. 


‘‘ First William the Norman, then William his son, 
Henry, Stephen, and Henry, then Richard and John, 
Next Henry the Third, Edwards one, two and three: 
After Richard the Second, three Henrys we see ; 

Two Edwards, then Richard, a villain I guess, 

Two Henrys, an Edward, then Mary and Bess; 

Next Jamie the Scot, then Charlie was slain, 

After Cromwell, King Charlie the Second did reign, 
James the Second, then William and Mary stood forth, — 
Next Anne, four Georges, and William the Fourth, , 
Now the young queen Victoria a diadem wears, 

And long may she guide this great nation’s affairs.” 


—e 


Paris, Ocroper 27, 1840. 
_ Did you ever hear, my dear M a, of a ** Dial of 
Flowers,” prepared by the celebrated Linnzeus? It was 
quite a curious thing. Perhaps your good father can 
describe it better than I can. It was so arranged as to 
mark the hours by the opening and closing, at regular 
intervals, of the flowers used in its construction. What 
a pretty idea! And what an evidence it affords us of 
the beauty, and order and regularity of nature in all her 
works! May we not gather a hint from this flowery dial, 











i aN 





Puce, eae Nines 
ape 


99 


and endeavor so to regulate our lives, as that each hour 
may be filled up with usefulness, and bear witness in our 


favor as it passes into eternity, to be registered in the 
great Book of God’s remembrance? It has been sweetly 
said by a lady, writing upon this theme, 


O! is not life, in its real flight 
Marked thus—ever thus—on earth, 

By the closing of one hope’s delight, 
And another’s gentle birth ? 

O! let us live, so that flower by flower, 
Shutting in turn, may leave 

A lingerer still for the sun-set hour, 
A charm for the shaded eve. 


—— 
{ 


Paris, DEcemMBER 20, 1839. 

My Dear Son,—Among the interesting objects abound- 
ing in this city, is the ‘‘ Hotel de Cluny,” thought to be 
one of the finest remains of the ancient mansions of 
Paris of the sixteenth century. It was erected in 1505, 
by the Abbot of Cluny, on part of the ruins of an old 
palace. I visited this interesting place with Dr. B. and 
S. this morning. It is a remarkable building, and its 
contents are no less so. It has passed through many 
hands, and has finally become the property of M. de 
Somerard, a gentlemen of elegant manners, and an enthu- 
siastic antiquary, and of great taste. He has stored his 
chateau, seven or eight rooms, with thousands of the 
most curious relics of past ages, which perfectly defy 
description. The collection is said not to have a rival 


in France. It is gratuitously thrown open to visitors, 


who apply previously for a ticket, once a fortnight, 
when Mr. S. explains familiarly whatever they may 


1 oe - 


desire to know. One room was fitted up as a chapel, 
used by the family in former times, with everything 
about it, as it was employed in the offices of religion 
three hundred years ago. The altar, the reading-desk or 
pulpit, the chorister’s arrangement, the sides of the room 
entirely of rich carved work, the ceiling arched and 
curiously formed, need an architectural pen to describe 
them. Among the books was a two-leaved ivory tablet, 
of about four inches square, with about twenty-five or 
thirty compartments, in each of which was wrought 
ivory work, giving the history of our Saviour from his 
Annunciation to his Ascension, and so minute, that like 
the little carved box in the East India Museum at Salem, 
they must be examined with a microscope to discern 
correctly the different figures. In another room was to 
be seen, among a thousand other curious things, four sets 
of ancient armor, with the different weapons used by the 
knights of that period. The work on these was very 
great, and the defense seems to have been very complete. 
Even the fingers were guarded, and the power to bend 
given by the pieces falling one into another, like the folds 
of a lobster. In another apartment, the Banqueting — 
Hall, was a round table, set just as it might have been, 
and probably was used three hundred years ago, with 
the dishes, plates, knives and forks, and spoons, &c., 
arranged, and the chairs placed. The principal seat for 
the prince, or whoever occupied it, was twice the size of 
the others, with a rich, tall back, like a bishop’s chair. 
His plate, also, twice the size of the others; one child’s 
plate was set also with a high chair, and small knife and 
fork. ‘The dishes were of porcelain, of curious fabric. 
One was studded all over the bottom with imitations of 
shell-fish, raised a fifth of an inch high, to indicate what 








101, 


' the dish was designed to contain. Another had in it the 
form of an eel, covering the bottom of the dish. The 
ivory handles of some of the knives were the whole 
figure of a man in miniature. But the time would fail 
me to tell you of the odd and curious in this truly antique 
collection. Your cousin, W. P., might perhaps do some | 
justice to it, but the effort would be great under his 
masterly hand. 


Paris, May 16, 1840. 

My Dear Son,—The rains we have recently had, have 
given a spring to vegetation and imparted a richness to 
the foliage of the Tuilleries, that was much to be desired. 
The gardens of the palace are more beautiful and appear 
more inviting than they did last July. I once thought 
the pictures gave an exaggerated view of their beauty. I 
do not think so now; they do not come up to the reality. 
They must be seen and seen often under different aspects, 
to catch their varied and enchanting expressions. ‘The 
fountains on the ‘‘ Place de la Concorde ” are magnificent, 
and on a hot day it is refreshing to walk around them, 
and listen to the perpetual droppings from the various 
figures that are pouring out their offerings. 

A florist sent me, the other day, an invitation to visit 
his display of tulips, in a garden south of the ‘ Hotel 
des Invalides.” A. and M’lle D. went with me last week. 
There were one thousand and fifty-five varieties. Some 
were very handsome, but on the whole, though your 
neighbor’s display was inferior in point of numbers, it 
was not certainly in point of beauty. 

They trim their grapes here, in many ‘places, very 


differently from us. They have them not more than two 
a | 


102 =i 

eos 

feet apart, and the stem is sometimes from one-third ed 
two-thirds of an inch, and even an inch in thickness. 
Few laterals, except of about one or two inches in length, — 
from which the fruit branch proceeds, and the height is 
not more than six or seven feet. I saw a large promise 
of fruit from these side shoots. I don’t know how our 
climate would answer, but I think we make some mis-. 
takes in our training. 
Having given up the intention of visiting Italy, it was 


very pleasant and interesting for us to view last week, a 


model of St. Peter’s church at Rome, now exhibiting in 
Paris. It cost the artist, an Italian, fourteen years of 
labor, and is one of the most perfect productions of the 
kind that can be imagined. Not an article belonging to 
the original is omitted, outside or inside, and everything 
is in the exact proportion of one inch to one hundred, so 
that all you have to do, is to imagine what you behold 

one hundred times as large, and you have St. Peter’s — 
before you. And yet, such is the accuracy of the pro- 
portions, you can hardly believe this to be the case, and 
are with difficulty convinced of it, until you apply the 

rule to some particular part, and multiply the number of 
inches. You then find it to be actually as stated, every- 
thing is given in its true and existing color, every 
inscription may be read. ‘The expression in the counte- 
nances of the innumerable statues upon it, is wonderfully 
preserved. The interior is shown by the sides opening 
on hinges, so that you may be said to walk inside the 
church. The capacity of the original, you may remem- 
ber,. perhaps, better than Ido. We were told it would 
contain ninety thousand persons. There are probably 
twenty or more chapels on each of its sides, the services 
in which do not interfere at all with the great body of the © 








103 


people, who may be worshiping before the high altar in 
the middle of the building. Each of these chapels will 
contain three thousand persons. ‘The window was pointed 
out to us, from which the pope, on certain days, pro- 
nounces his benediction upon the thousands below. 


oe 


ANTEUIL, 6th JunzE, 1840. 

My Dear , I send under cover to you a letter to my 
dear little grand-daughter. Tell her when she can under- 
stand it, that her grandpa has heard of a female genius 
in Milan, of the last century, who was familiar with the 
Latin language at nine years of age. At eleven she 
spoke Greek with fluency, and at fourteen was acquainted 
with several oriental languages. At fifteen she was an 
expert mathematician, and published works on conic sec- 
tions, &c. She was appointed at thirty-two, Professor 
of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, at Bologna, and 
after becoming a ‘blue nun,” died in1790. Now I shall 
be very well satisfied if my dear M. is ignorant of much 
that this girl knew, if she will try to possess herself of 
that knowledge which is referred to in Paul’s second let- 
ter to the Corinthians, 18th chapter, 5th verse. If she 
has all other knowledge, and knows not her own heart, 
‘she will be sadly deficient, and in danger of a moral | 
shipwreck. Perhaps one of these days I shall hear her 
repeating something like the following : 





‘¢ At evening to myself I say, 
My soul, where hast thou gleaned to-day, © 
Thy labors how bestowed, 
What hast thou rightly said or done, 
What grace attained, what knowledge won, 
In following after God? ” 


| 104 Seas 


- Dear M., Listen to one who loves you very much, and 
though he is three thousand miles off, thinks of you every 
day, and almost every hour, and be persuaded now while 
you are so young, to seek the God of your fathers. Jere- 
miah was good from very early life, and God loved and 
honored him much; and Obadiah, it is said, ** feared the 
Lord greatly,” (that is, loved, and served and honored 
him,) and one reason why he did so, was, he began very 
early, for it is said in the same chapter, ‘‘he feared the 
Lord from his youth.” 1 Kings, 18th chapter, 3d and 
12th verses. I know you pray to God, but remember to 
let your heart pray. Do not be satisfied till you can 
hope that God forgives all your sins for Christ’s sake, and 
regards you as one of the lambs of his flock, and remem- 
ber to pray for H. also, ask God to make him a good 
boy, and that as he grows up in favor with men, he may 
also grow in favor with God. 


ANTEUIL, JUNE 28, 1840. 

Dear Daughter,—It is summer. The earth is teeming 
with its valuable products. The air is filled with music, 
and all nature seems to be sending up its hymn of praise 
to the bountiful Giver of all good. And should man be 
silent! When, beside all the gifts of nature, he has the 
richer gifts of mind to be grateful for, and above all, a — 
hope which reaches beyond all these material scenes, even 
to dwell with God his Creator, in heaven, and drink of 
the pure waters of the river of life, flowing from the 
throne of the Eternal! ‘A hope so much divine, may 
trials well endure.”’ . Yet so constituted are we that when 
called to cross the narrow sea, we are very apt, like 











=~ 


105 


timorous mortals, to start and shrink at the dark waves 
before us. How kind then is it in God to prepare us for 
the trial, and strengthen us for the passage, by giving 


fresh vigor to our faith as life is closing, and showing us 


as it were in vision our departed Christian friends, now 
Spirits made perfect, waiting on the other side Jordan, 
ready to welcome us to its happy shore, and with a be- 
nignant smile, assuring of safety and bliss! And does 
not my dear feel something of this faith, and see 
something of those bright and happy spirits with whom 
she has so recently parted, and who with palms of victory 
in their hands, are delightfully employed in celebrating 
the praises of their redeeming God; perhaps asking the 
privilege of being made ministering spirits now, and by 
and by the happy conductors above, of her who traverses 
a little longer this world of trial and vicissitude. Itis a 
pleasant thought, and religion does not forbid it. I think 
I can hear her saying with the Christian bard: 





‘<T love to think of heaven, where I shall meet 
My fellow-travelers, and where no more 
With grief or sin my mind will be disturbed, 
Where holy saints and holy angels dwell 
In constant harmony and mutual love. 

But when my heart anticipates the sight 

Of God Incarnate, wearing on His side 

And hands and feet those marks of love divine 
Which He on Calvary for me endured, 

All heaven beside is swallowed up in this, 
And He who is my hope of heaven below, 
Appears the glory of my heaven above.” 


I visited this week a place called Mont Calvarie. It is 
about six miles west of Paris, and about six hundred feet 


106 


above the level of the Seine. The prospect from the 

summit is very extensive and beautiful. It is said to 

afford the finest view in this part of France. It takes its 

name from a chapel consecrated there in 1633, on which 

occasion three lofty crosses were planted on the summit 
of the hill. From ‘that time it was respected as a place 
of religious devotion ; several hermits took up their abode = 
on its sides, and pilgrimages used to be made to it. At 

the revolution the custom fell into disuse, but at the res- 

toration, pilgrimages again came into vogue for a short 

time. At the revolution of 1830, the hill and its depend- 
ances were finally taken from the influence of the church 

and devoted to lay purposes. 

On every side as I looked around, the grape-vine met 
my eye, thousands of acres covered with it, and through- 
out these immense fields, you see no fence, no hedge of 
any kind, and like the Northampton meadows, all is open. 
As I wound my way up the narrow, rough and rocky 
road that led to the Convent, I could not but think of the 
many who in ancient time have superstitiously gone over 
this same ground, and thought they were doing God 
service by wearying themselves in making these laborious 
ascents. | . | 

In the paper of to-day I noticed one of the most curious 
instances of gross superstition that I almost ever heard of. 
It occurred in Cross-ville. As the altar cloth was about 
being removed, two pieces of skin, apparently of parch- 
ment fell to the floor. The beadle (a sort of sexton) im- 
mediately and in great haste, seized one of them, but the 
priest possessed himself of the other. He found it writ- 
ten upon, in a reddish color and in curious characters. 
Upon investigation it turned out that the beadle of the 
church had received twenty-five francs, for placing these 








107 
pieces under the cloth, that they might enjoy the service 
at the time of Pentecost ! The pieces were the dried skin 
of a child, and the characters were written with its blood! 
And what do you think was the object of all this? It was 
to prevail on Heaven to send down large hail upon the 
cattle and fields of a neighbor. who was an enemy, and so 
destroy his property! The beadle and his employer were 
arrested and imprisoned. 


ANTEUIL, JULY 28, 1840. 

My Dear Son,—Yesterday, to-day and to-morrow, form 
the Anniversary of the memorable three days in July, 1830. 
I went into Paris yesterday, and by means of a ticket 
went into the recesses around the column erected where 
the Bastile stood, prepared to receive the remains of those 
_ persons who perished in the streets of Paris at that event- 
ful time. A canal runs through the Place Bastile, and 
over this canal stretching from side to side, upon an im- 
mense arch, rises the column, formed of Bronze, richly 
wrought, with the names of those who fell at the time 
of the revolution, inscribed. within compartments. Its 
height is about one hundred and fifty-six English feet. 
The religious ceremonies were for yesterday and to-day. 
To-morrow is to be given up to frolicking, and the vast- 
ness of the preparations for fire-works, music, dancing, 
puppet shows, &c., isamazing! In the “‘ Champs Elysées” 
the arrangements for fire-works are very beautiful, as gas 
is now introduced through nearly the whole of that noble 
avenue. 

The lights are placed on both sides and across in fes- 
toons, and these with the brilliantly lighted tents of the 


108 ’ 


cake sellers, will make the whole scene one of enchant- 
ment. The seats prepared around the columns, rise 
amphitheatrically, and will accommodate six thousand 
persons! These are for royalty, nobility and distin- — 
guished strangers. Windows have been let for six franes 
each to view the procession. 
+ [ went yesterday to the church of St. Germain L’Aux- 
enois, where the funeral service over the remains is now 
being performed with great pomp. It is a very old 
church, standing a little to the eastward of the Louvre. 
Black cloth, with silver stars, covered nearly the whole 
front of the building. There are some things connected 
with the history of this church which, with its age, make 
it an object of interest. Its foundation was very early, 
as in the year 886 it was exceedingly injured by the 
Normans. The church was rebuilt about 998, and was 
then dedicated to the saint whose name it now bears. It 
was for some time the parish church of the Louvre and 
the Tuilleries, and received pecuniary and other benefits 
from this circumstance. | 

During the great revolution in 1789 it escaped injury, 
but in February, 1831, there was an attempt made to 
celebrate within its walls the anniversary of the death of 
the Duke de Berry, and the populace being enraged, the ~ 
church was nearly demolished. It was at this time that 
the Archbishop’s palace near the church of Notre Dame 
was destroyed. The church remained in its dilapidated 
state until 1838, when it was repaired and opened for 
worship. ‘It was from the belfry of this church that 
the fatal signal was given for the commencement of the 
horrible massacre on the eve of the fete of St. Bartholo= 
mew, August 23, 1572, when its bells tolled during the 
whole of that dreadful night.” 














109 


The church is a regular cruciform edifice, with an 
octagonal east end. The earliest portion now existing, is 
the western door-way, probably erected in the fourteenth 
century. There are but few painted windows remaining, 
those few are said to be good. It contains but few pic- 
tures, and except for the historical associations connected 
with it, is not a particularly attractive edifice. 

Six, P. M. has just returned from Paris. The 
ceremonies, he says, were most interesting and impressive. 
The procession passed in on one side the gate-way, and 
around the staging erected about the column, and were 
three hours in passing. Eighty, thousand troops, in 
the most perfect order, with their glittering bayonets, 
superbly caparisoned, with impressive music, marched 
at his feet, until his eyes were weary with looking. 





Paris, Ocroper 14, 1840. 
Dear Daughter H,—I am just reminded that this day is 
the anniversary of your marriage. Is it possible! Have 


eleven years rolled away since I had the happiness of 


placing you in the catalogue of my dear children! Yes, 
it must be so. O how many and various are the thoughts 
that rush upon the mind when we think of these eleven 
years; and how solemn are those which must present 
themselves when we cast a look forward upon the eleven 


‘which are to follow. ’Tis wise and kind in God to fold 


down this page, and say to us, ‘Secret things belong 
unto me. Think of to-day, and leave to-morrow in my 
hand. Conduct each hour with reference to eternity, but 
be not anxiously solicitous. All things shall be made to 


work together for your good, if your love to me is sincere 
k 10 


Gee 


110 


and supreme and abiding.’ O what a Father has the 
Christian in his God! He knows our weakness, our 
trials, our dangers, and mercifully ‘ stays his rough wind 
in the day of his East wind.” May each of us adopt 
the prayer of the poet: | 


‘* Dear Lord, if I am one of Thine, 
From anxious thoughts I would be free, 
To trust, and love, and praise is mine, 
The care of all belongs to Thee.” 


May you both, with your beloved children, enjoy much 
of this life, be honored yourselves, and made a rich bless- 
ing to the world, and when we are all permitted the | 
felicity and glory of dwelling with the God and Saviour 
we have loved on earth, we shall look back upon the 
scenes of our present pilgrimage with admiring and ador- 
ing gratitude, saying, ‘* He hath done all things well.” 


Paris, NOVEMBER 29, 1840. 

The travelers of the desert, my dear Son, tell us, you 
know, of the oasis they sometimes meet in their sandy 
marches, and the refreshment such a spot affords is 
inconceivably grateful. 

Let me tell you now of a green spot we met with, on 
Thursday, 26th inst: It was your day of public Thanks- 
giving at home, and we remembered the day at this dis- 
tance; Mr. A., Mr. T. and his son, with Dr. B. and S., 
joining us at the table. Our turkey, for size and flavor, 
was equal to the best in New England, and our plum-- 
pudding was exactly in conformity to Massachusetts 
usage, and would have borne a comparson with your 
good mother’s at N. ‘Let Bourbon or Nassau go 

















111 

higher!” Mr. A. implored a blessing upon us all, and 
did not forget distant friends, and Mr. T. expressed our 
thanks for the pleasant circumstances in which we met 
and feasted. There was one group that would have 
-made our oasis still greener, but that was on a “ pleasant 
mount,” far away, and we could not remove it. We 
thought it not unlikely that our names were upon the lips 
of those whose names were more than once pronounced 
by us. Even tiny Theresa Maria, was not forgotten with 
her black hair, and sparkling eyes. Perhaps it was best 
that she was not here, for she might have made canni- 
bals of us all, and the mother might not have relished 
such an entertainment! 

I walk out on the Sabbath with A. between the ser- 
vices that she may keep the air, and it would make you 
smile, while it grieved your heart, to see how annoyed 
we are by articles for sale thrust upon us as it were con- 
tinually in our walks, spectacles, hot buns, hot chestnuts, 
children’s watches, pencils, shoe-strings, pen-knives, 
combs, fruit, &c., &c. Woeful, woeful violations of ‘the 
Sabbath in every form, and by all classes. 

I sometime since mentioned to you, I believe, that I 
saw no blossoms on the great orange trees in the garden 
of the Tuilleries. I understand the fact to be that as fast 
as they flower, the proper officer gathers the blossoms, 
and they are sold, yielding to the Government eight thou- 
sand francs yearly, (about sixteen hundred dollars.) If 
they were suffered to remain and bear fruit, the trees 
would not be so long lived or durable. Several that I 
saw in the garden at Versailles, cropped in the same 
manner, were three hundred years old. 

The arrangement with regard to omnibuses here is 
very good. Among other good things there is posted up 


112 = 


inside beside the prices, the number of places, say four- — 
teen. When this number are in, the driver stops for 
nobody. ‘There is no crowding to pack in another, and 
another; the driver dare not take another in. H. would 
smile to be in one of these vehicles, and every time she 
passed from Passy into Paris, be lable to have her 
reticule examined by a soldier at the gates! They are 
very civil, but I have seen some feel into or around the 
bag of every female passenger to ascertain if there was 
no dutiable article being smuggled in. And so of our 
cabriolet or remise, we must always stop, and the door 
is opened by the guard at the gates, and if we have any- 
thing like a bundle or package, it is liable to be opened 
and examined. They stop us but a moment, and have, I 
believe, become familiar with our faces, and finding we 

are a harmless sort of animal, give us a ready passage. — : 

Though in a village where you would think there 
should be water enough, we, have no wells that give sweet 
water. Every drop we use comes from the Seine, a mile 
off. It is brought every morning by carriers, and filtered 
in a closet attached to our dining-room. 

We have not told you of all our feats and amusements 
in Passy. Let me tell you of one, riding upon asses! — 
How you would have smiled to see M., the grave aunt 
M., with our French assistant, Mlle. D., mounted on 
the jackasses, riding at full tilt through the Bots de 
Boulogne, with a boy running behind, for the purpose of 
snapping his whip, and urging on these asses! Such 
was the spectacle! But the pursuit of this amusement 
has not been continued,—for the asses being very small, 


(not much larger than the lamented Tiger,) had so very 


short and hard a trot, that the pain rather overbalanced 
the pleasure. 








113 


_ Dr. B. and S. went to Versailles on Wednesday. 
They saw on a table at the restaurant some fine prepara- 
tions for a party that had come some distance to see and 
_ frolic. And among other pretty things on the table was 
a cherry-tree in a pot in full bearing, and the cherries 
ripe! Each cherry cost the provider thirty-two sous, 
‘(thirty cents !) 


——— 


S Paris, JANUARY 30, 1841. 

My Dear Daughter H—, I made out, as you will learn, 
to pass over to the Tuilleries, to have a little chat with 
the King. You would have smiled to have seen me 
in my borrowed plumes; Dr. B., equally gay, at my 
side. We met the rest of our company who were to be 
presented, at Gen. C.’s hotel, and proceeded at about 
eight o’clock to the palace. 

The exterior of this building, though imposing and 
venerable, gives no idea of the magnificence within. 
We passed through a broad and beautiful marble hall, 
ascended a flight of thirty marble steps, and turning 
at the head, passed a long gallery, one side of which 
was wainscoated with mirrors, giving the idea of a 
double gallery and another procession. On the other 
side were windows looking into the gardens. We were 
met at the different stages of our walk, by liveried ser- 
vants, in bright scarlet, (none can use this livery but the 
king’s servants,) and by some of these we were ushered 
into a large apartment, called the ‘* Salle de Maréchaux.” 
On the walls of this apartment are the portraits of the 
living Marshals of France. Busts of distinguished Gen- 
érals are also placed around the room, and the blaze that 
proceeds from several splendid chandeliers is exceedingly 
brilliant. From this room we passed into another equally 

* 


il 
m) 





‘114 rae. 


large, called the Salon de la Paix, which was the recep- 
tion room, and around the sides of which, Lord Gren- 
ville’s company and General Cass’s, with those of other . 
foreign ministers, were arranged in regular order. We 
filled, closely stowed, three sides of the apartment. — 
Before the presentation, we were allowed to pass into 
the room adjoining, a most magnificent one, called the 
Salle du Trone, hung in red and gold, with a throne, 
canopy, and steps of rich crimson velvet. A superb 
chair was placed under it, with the cipher of the King 
(L. P.) wrought into the back. There was something 
in this room, and in the taste and splendor of the Throne, 
which was well calculated to inspire respect and awe. 
Having returned into the reception room, the King with 
the Queen, and other members of the royal family, | 
entered, and were successively introduced by the respect- __ 
ive ministers, to the gentlemen belonging to the several 
nations which they represented. 

It was about half past nine o’clock when the King had 
proceeded so far as to meet the writer. I gave hima 
respectful bow, (not in French style, but of the old-— = 
fashioned New England kind,) which he very pleasantly 
returned, and asked me from what part of America I 
came. When I replied “from Boston,” he was quite 
animated, and repeated, ‘‘ Boston? ‘Ah, I shall never 
forget the hospitalities of Boston.” Gen. Cass then told 
his Majesty that ‘‘ Mr. Walley would be pleased to deliver 
a message, if it was agreeable, from one of the King’s old 
friends-in Boston.” The King listened with attention and 
seemed much gratified; he said ‘‘ he was always loth to 
inquire about his old friends there, for fear he should learn: 
that they were not alive.” As he passed on he added, 
‘¢Remember me very kindly to Major Russell.” Louis 








: 115 


Philippe is not taller than myself, though much broader. 
He stoops a little, and has something of the pleasant and 
gracious smile of our respected fellow citizen, H. G. Otis, 
Esq. He has also a look with his right eye, that partly 
closes in a roguish way, reminding me of my grand- 
daughter M., when she puts her hands behind her, and 
walks after her grand-pa, singing some favorite word of 
his. He wears a scratch and has no mustachios; a blue 
coat with stiff collar and gold border—the same on the 
pantaloons, which are of the same color as those of the 
common soldiers, (brick dust.) His manner was per- 
fectly easy and unassuming, and his spirits apparently 
good. 

The Queen followed, and spoke to me in good English. 
She was graceful in her manners—her dress was rich and 
beautiful, but not showy. It was of crimson velvet with 
three flounces of lace, of very costly kind, (I imagine.) 
Some sparkling diamonds. She looks feeble. She has 
not been fairly well since the attack of Darmés on her 
husband. The Duke of Orleans followed the Queen; his 
person is slight, his manner graceful, he speaks English 
correctly, and made one or two ordinary inquiries. There 
is nothing striking in his countenance, and he is said not 
to be of sg strong constitution as some of the other chil- 
dren. He is considered an amiable man—kind, brave, 
prudent, and disposed to do his duty. 

The King’s sister, Madame Adelaide, came next with 
her niece, the princess Clementine, on her arm. The 
aunt spoke English well, was easy, not handsome, but 
looked like a clever woman. She is about sixty-four, 
rich and charitable. The lads, young Dukes d’Aumale 
and Montpensier, followed, but I was looking another 
way and missed their faces. They are said to be good 


g 


ee 


116 


scholars, and are destined for the army. ‘The Prince 
de Joinville is thought to be a fine seaman. The Duke 
de Nemours was absent. His wife passed before the 
King’s sister. She is quite young, (eighiteen,) pretty and 
smiling. The Duchesse of Orleans was sick and unable 
to be present. } 

After passing around the room, and conversing from 
time to time with the ministers of the different Courts, 
the King retired with the ladies to their private apart-— 
ments, and the company, after lingering a little, to look 
at the rooms, retired also. A little after ten o'clock, P. M., 
found me safe in my quarters at Rue Monthabor, having 
had no occasion to draw my sword a single time in de- 
fense of any public or private rights, and not sorry that 
the Executive of the United States is encumbered with 
so little of the forms and etiquette which belong to Euro- 
pean Courts. Louis Philippe is a plain man, who has 
seen enough of the ‘rough and tumble” of human life 
to make him not very strongly attached to all this parade, 
but the customs of the age require it. 

In thinking over this presentation to the King, I have 
had some solemn reflections. I have thought of some 
passages in Matt. xxii. 11, and Luke xii. 36, together 
with the passage in Matt. xxv. 31, 82, 33. Ifit was so 
necessary for me to make preparation to be presented to 
an earthly king, so necessary to be clothed in just the 
garments which he had prescribed, lest ‘when the King 
came in to see the guests, he should find me without the — 
wedding garment,’ the prescribed costume for all who 
would enjoy his friendship and presence, how needful, 
thought I, would it be to keep in mind that more impor- 
tant day, (a day in comparison with which, an earthly — 
presentation shrinks into utter insignificance,) when I 











117 


shall stand before the Great White Throne above, and 
hear from the lips of that august Being who occupies it, 
the sentence of eternal condemnation or approval! My 
heart sinks within me when I carry forward my thoughts 
to that eventful moment, and could I not look to my dear 
Saviour, who has promised to present His humble follow- 
ers ‘‘ faultless before the Throne,’ being clothed in His 
righteousness, which is the garment God has provided, I 
should be miserable indeed. But I humbly hope that I 
have chosen Jesus as my portion, and that all my desires 
are toward Him and His salvation. If it be so, that day 
will be a day of joy and triumph. Even the tears of re- 
pentance will then be wiped away, for there shall be no 
more sin; the tears of grief will be wiped away, for 
there shall be no more sorrow ; and the tears of bereave- 
ment will be wiped away, for there shall be more sepa- 
ration! Happy day! May you and I, my dear H., 
live in constant remembrance that we are one day to be 
presented to the ‘‘ King of kings,” and in reference to 
that period, let every thought of our hearts, every word 
of our lips, every action of our lives, every garment we 
wear, and every habit of life we may form, bear distinctly 
the mark of ** Holiness to the Lord.” 


Cauais, Aprit 4, 1841. 

My Dear , How little did I think when I used to 
look at the fire-board in my parlor, representing a steam- 
boat crossing from Calais to Dover, that I should ever be 
a passenger in one of these vessels! But I expect this 
will actually be the case to-morrow. I shall probably 
think of Dr. Jeffries’ flight across the channel some years 
ago in a balloon. Steam navigation I prefer to the 





118 ‘ 

mode he adopted, and probably he would himself use this 
- conveyance now, were he on earth, and desirous of cross- 
ing. Yesterday, at about six o’clock, we entered this 
little city of ten thousand inhabitants, once so famous 
and whose remaining fortifications look strong enough to 
resist all the enemies that could ever come against it. 
The picture, which you have often seen, no doubt, of the 
patriotic citizens, who offered their own necks to Henry 
the Fourth, to save the other inhabitants from massacre, 
and whose lives were spared at the entreaty of the Queen 
on her knees—came fresh to my mind on entering this 
city, and I have walked around its ramparts, which you 
may do in half an hour, with much interest. 


VENTNOR, IstE or WicHtT, May 9, 1841. 

Dear , 1 feel obliged to Mr. , for the kind 
interest he takes in our peregrinations, in the expression 
of an opinion with regard to visiting Italy. I had once 
strongly calculated upon standing where Paul did on 
** Mars’ Hill,” and treading upon the spot where the friends 
of this great Apostle met, and so cordially welcomed him 
at ‘‘Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns.” If I had 
reached that spot, I should have ‘thanked God,” in an 
especial manner, and “ taken courage” for the rest of the 
journey. As it is, however, I hope I have thanked this 
kind Provider who has watched over us thus far, and 
crowned our days with so many mercies. I shall not 
want for themes to magnify his love, though I stop short, 
far short of Rome and Naples. 

We left the little village of Cowes yesterday, and 
erossed the island (fifteen miles from north to south,) 
reaching this romantic and sequestered spot in about 














119 


three hours. This hotel, with several others, is on the 
margin of the ocean, no Jand in sight—the nearest is 
about ninety miles distant, which is Dieppe, in France. 
These cottages are under what is called the Cliff, so 
named from the mountainous rocks which rise abruptly 
behind them, even within a few feet. This Cliff affords 
a complete shelter from the north and east winds, and 
renders the situation very desirable and pleasant. It is 
resorted to even in winter, and many spend the cold 
months there instead of going to the Continent, it being 
many degrees warmer than any other part of England. 
Several things about it, remind us of Nahant, but it has 
some advantages over Nahant. We can ride or walk 
from our very door seven, miles over a beautiful road 
under the Cliff, with a live hedge on each side, presenting 
at this time a most rich appearance, and beginning to 
throw out its fragrant flowers. 


——_. 


| Ventnor, May 25, 1841. 
My Dear Daughter, 
‘‘The chamber where the good man meets his fate, 
Is privileged beyond the common walks of virtuous life, 
Just on the verge of heaven.” 

The privilege of visiting the spot where a child of God 
was born, and died, and took her flight to heaven, I en- 
joyed this morning. Often have I wished the gratifica- 
_ tion, if Providence allowed the opportunity, of seeing the 
spot where lie the mortal remains of “The Dairyman’s 
Daughter,” and this morning promising a mild and beau- 
tiful day, my daughters and self took a light little car, 
and after riding about eight miles through roads and lanes 
of surpassing beauty, thick set with hedges of hawthorn 


120 


in full bloom, throwing out their most delightful ddore”. 


we arrived at the cottage where the Wallbridge family 
resided. The cottage has undergone some alterations 


since Mr. Richmond described it. The vine was not to 
be seen, and I suppose the general appearance is a little 
changed. It is, however, very neatly kept, and though 
exceedingly humble in its form and furniture, looks com- 
fortable and pleasant. The chair in which Elizabeth 
used to sit during her sickness, has been sold within a 
year or two, and transferred to the President’s house in 
Washington. I looked into her Bible, one which she 
used at school and at church. It appeared to have been 
much read, though carefully kept. Some one had written 
in it the time of her birth, (Sunday, 29th July, 1770,) 
when she was baptized, (12th August, 1770, at the 
church in Arreton,) and when she died, (3d May, 1801.) 
In the end, on the cover, she had written her own name, 
Elizabeth Wallbridge, and the word “ give” is added. 
Whether she intended to say by whom it was given her, 
or whether she was about to direct to whom the Bible 
was to be given, after her death, is uncertain. She was 
probably interrupted at the time, and never fulfilled her 
intention, whatever it might have been. The hand-writing 
is poor, as we know her advantages were few. The 
wife of the man who drove our car, attended school 
with Elizabeth. She was a giddy girl, he said, “and 
loved a fine gown,” as it is remarked in the tract, but 
he added, ‘the alteration in her character was great, 
and sudden.” ‘The love of dress gave way to the love 
of God, and she put on at once the garment recom- 
mended in the text which was blessed to her conversion, 
‘Be clothed with humility.” From the cottage we 
went on to the church-yard, about a mile distant, through 











121 


a road called a lane by Mr. Richmond, as it was doubtless 
forty years ago, but though a little wider, it has now all 
the charms it is described as then possessing, for the 
whole way is lined on both sides with the fragrant haw- 
thorn in full bloom, and from eight to ten feet in height. 

The church-yard, and every thing about it, gave evi- 
dence of care and neatness. The good old clerk of the 
church went with us and pointed us to all the localities of 
of importance. We read with new interest the lines 
inscribed upon Elizabeth’s grave-stone, and which I will 
transcribe. 


‘« Stranger, if e’er by chance or feeling led, 
Upon this hallowed turf thy footsteps tread, 
Turn from the contemplation of the sod, 
And think on her, whose spirit rests with God. 
Lowly her lot on earth, but He who bore 
Tidings of grace and blessings to the poor, 
Gave her his truth and faithfulness to prove 
The choicest treasures of his boundless love, 
Faith that dispelled affliction’s darkest gloom, 
Hope that could cheer the passage to the tomb, 
Peace, that not hell’s dark legions could destroy, 
And Love, that filled the soul with heavenly joy, 
Death of its sting disarmed; she knew no fear, 
But tasted heaven, e’en while she lingered here. 
O happy Saint! may we like thee be blest, 
Tn life be faithful, and in death find rest.” 


I could not but attend to the admonition of the epitaph, 
and think of her whose spirit was resting with that 
Saviour, whom she honored and loved on earth, and who 
was so precious to her in death. AsI was treading upon 


the turf that covered her remains, I found clustered 
1 


122° ~ 


around me a number of young girls from ten to twelve ; - 


years of age, who were attracted to the: spot by ole 


to fens a three minutes’ lecture upon the uncertainty off | 
life, the necessity of religion, and the happiness of heaven. - 
*¢ Elizabeth,” was my text, the sod beneath me afforded — 
ample field for illustration, and the bright and beautiful 


sky above gave me an object, to point to my youthful = 


- audience a mansion in the heavens, where ‘ The Dairy- 
man’s Daughter,” and her beloved biographer are enjoying 
together the smiles of their Redeemer. [had a few tracts 
in my pocket, one of which was the interesting paper of 
Mr. Knill’s, ‘‘ Shall we meet in heaven?” This and some 
others I handed to my listening auditors, who, with much 
good feeling and gratitude received a stranger’s remem- 
‘brance. I parted from them with the desire that we all 
might meet in heaven, in God’s own good time, and 
mingle our praises with those of Elizabeth, and assuring 
them at the same time that this might certainly be our 
happy lot, if we followed in her path as far as she followed 


the Saviour. It was an interesting moment, andI could 


not but think of that larger group in Mason street Sab- 
bath School, to whom I would say the same things, and 
whose best, whose immortal interests are so dear to me. 
Had I a voice that could reach across the wide Atlantic, 
it should speak to these beloved objects of the value of a 
Saviour’s love. What was it that has made the cottage 
of the ‘‘Dairyman’s Daughter,” the resort of pious 
curiosity, and her grave a spot of such thrilling interest ! 
It was the deep piety of this humble, meek, and heavenly 
girl. Taught bythe Spirit of God, (for she had but little 
of other teaching,) she made wonderful advances in the 
divine life, so that her learned and eminently holy minis- 





123 


ter declared that he visited her rather to be taught himself, 
er than to be her teacher. The arrow of the Almighty, 
through that piercing counsel, ‘‘ be clothed with humility,” 
fastened in her bosom, and from being a friend of the 
world she became the friend of God, and secured the 
friendship of heaven. How bright is her crown above, 
and more and more brilliant is it becoming every day, 
from the stars which will be added to it through the in- 
strumentality of her recorded life! From a faithful, 
prayerful study of the Bible, ‘‘she discovered,” in the 
language of Mr. James, ‘the spring of true delight, and 
with a joy something like that of the ancient geometrician 
could exclaim, ‘‘ I have found it, I have found it.” 

Can we, my dear , put too high an estimate upon 
that religion which can sustain our sinking spirits in the 
solemn hour which awaits us! , What an object, what a 
hope, what a joy belong to the dying Christian! With 
such, ** heaven is not a mere word, a term for some place 
they know not where, and of some bliss they know not 
what.” They know its meaning, they feel its power, 
they enjoy its sweetness. This is the ‘heaven which 
shines upon the believer’s earthly path, from the page of 
Scripture, like a glowing firmament above his head, and 
which follows him with its rays into every place, illumin- 
ing the darkest, and gilding the dreariest scenes through 
which he may be called to pass.” With such views, and 
thinking of such a heaven, do you wonder that I am 
earnest in inviting my dear young friends in the Sabbath 
School to attend at once to the things which belong to 
their everlasting peace? And can you be surprised, 
that I feel such pure delight, when I’ hear of one and 
another forsaking the path of folly and sin, and giving 
themselves unreservedly to the Saviour’s claims? Sev- 











124 


eral, of whom I have been informed lately, I think of 
with fervent gratitude to God, and shall rejoice to meet 
them on earth, and finally in heaven, if I am so happy as 
to reach that blissful shore, ‘‘ where saints immortal 
reign.” 


Boston, January 80, 1847. 

My Dear Cousin, Your letter from Constantinople of 
November last, reached me on the 25th inst., and I assure 
you was most acceptable. With a little aid of the im- 
agination, I could place myself in your company, and 
regret the inconveniences of the boat on the Danube for 
eighteen days, instead of eight; and then could exelaim 
with you in rapturous style on approaching Constantino- 
ple from the delightful scenery of the Bosphorus. You 
will probably never forget, to the last of life, that early 
morning when you first beheld the seven towers of the 
great city, built, like Rome, on seven hills, each crowned 
with an imperial Mosque, ‘‘ whose spiry summits,” (as a. 
traveler remarks,) pierce the sky, and its copper colored 
domes glitter in the sun. You have still before you 
scenes of deeper, of absorbing interest, in your contem- 
plated visit to Palestine and Egypt. _ I begin to think of 
you as treading the soil which the beautiful Joseph tray- 
eled over, when he collected corn for the nation of Egypt ; 
and where that distinguished man of God, the meek de- 
liverer of Israel’s multitudes—and who spake with God 
‘‘face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend,”—was 
born and educated, to be the temporal saviour and law- 
giver of God’s chésen people. And above all, I am be- 
ginning to think of you as treading on the sacred dust of 
Palestine, ascending Mt. Calvary, weeping in the garden 








125 


of Gethsemane, and looking at the tomb where “ your 
Lord lay!” With feelings like yours, and the friends 
about you, I cannot conceive of visits of more thrilling 
_ interest. 

Oh how I should like to hear brother B. preach to a 
little group of Christians on Mount Tabor, from that text 
which led him to say so many touching things. “ And 
they feared when they entered into the cloud.” 

* 


MASON STREET SABBATH SCHOOL. 


Tue Anniversary of the establishment of Mason 
Street Sabbath School, was always observed by a 


special service on the Sabbath nearest that day. On_ 


these occasions, parents and friends were invited to be 


present, and a crowd of bright and happy faces bore — 


witness to the attractions of the place. 

The exercises consisted of several singings. Read- 
ing of the Scriptures alternately. . Prayer. Recitations 
and Dialogues by the scholars. Remarks by some in- 
vited friend ; and usually of an Address by the Super- 
intendent. These Addresses were prepared with the 
special view of cheering his fellow laborers, and of 
addressing to the scholars words of counsel and encour- 
agement. ‘I'hey contained much that was of strictly 
local interest ; many particulars of the closing hours of 
valued teachers and pupils, suited to make a deep and 
lasting impression upon the young minds to whom they 
were addressed. 

In seeking to interest his audience, he borrowed 
whatever of anecdote or illustration was needed to 
arrest attention, or impress the truth he taught. 





* — ‘ 
ee a 











127 


The two Addresses which we have selected, show 
his deep interest in the cause, and his views of the 
spirit and manner with which it should be engaged in, 
so as to warrant a reasonable hope of success. 


ADDRESS DELIVERED AT MASON STREET SABBATH 
SCHOOL, AUGUST 8, 1841. 


My Friends,—Were I to indulge the feelings which 
are excited in my bosom by the scene before me, and the 
remarks which have been made, I should at once sit 
down in silence and only meditate my thanksgivings and 
congratulations. But I am too sensible to the duty and 
value of that action which grows out of right feeling, not 
to say something on an occasion like this, though it has 
been amid many cares and interruptions that I have 
thrown together these few thoughts which your kindness, 
I know, will excuse; and which you will receive as dic- 
tated by the feelings of a warm and grateful heart. 

An absence of more than two years from this dear 
spot, has furnished me with many materials for remarks, 
and has supplied me with fresh motives, if any could 
possibly be wanting, for new and vigorous exertions in 
the Sabbath School cause. But neither time nor strength 
will now allow me to be as full as I could wish, and it 
must be reserved for other occasions, when my strength 
is recruited, and the excitement of my mind subsided, to 
touch on the variety of topics which may be illustrated 
and improved by the observations I may have made on 
foreign usages and events. 

It was a law in Athens that no man should be idle, 
and it was required of all to give an account to the proper 
authorities of the manner in which they spent their time. 


128 


I feel at this moment as if I was asked by the proper 
authorities, ‘* How have you spent your time for the two 
last years?”’ And a monitor within asks me whether in 
that period I have gained or lost in Christian feelings, 
hopes and aims. I left my beloved country, and these 
dear and delightful scenes, from a sense of duty, and 
having-no commercial or scientific designs to engage my 
attention, I fastened my mind on one object, upon leaving 
America. Need I tell you, my friends, what that object 
was? I thought much on leaving these shores, of’ the 
exclamation of a Jewish king, What ‘ shall I do for my 
son?” <As I passed along, the question came to me 
with every breeze that wafted me over the ocean, What 
shall I do for my Sabbath School ? 

With the course I pursued to interest and improve, and 
gratify those whom I left in this dear and hallowed spot, 
you are familiar. I could not ascend an eminence, I 
could not look upon the mighty ocean, or examine the 
remains of antiquity, or the monuments of genius and 
industry, or the lofty column, that in poetic language, 
almost ‘pricks the bosom of the skies,” without asso- 
ciating in some way, what I was enjoying, with the Sab- 
bath School I had left. And the question constantly 
recurred, how can I use this scene, and that incident, to 
benefit my dear young friends in Boston? That file of 
letters received from you, beloved teachers and scholars, 
convinced me that I was not laboring in vain; and once 
and again when the letter told me of a heart returned to 
God, and its best affections given to that Saviour in whom 
no beauty or comeliness were seen when I left, these eyes 
would have convinced you that I had not lost my interest 
in your happiness. 

The more I have seen and heard, and thought, with 





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ni F . 
eile Mie a Tat ie ile ce 








129 


regard to Sabbath Schools, since last I met you, the more 
thoroughly am I convinced of their peculiar value, and of 
the high honor which God is putting on them in the 
grand enterprise (in connection with, and subordination 
to, the church,) of improving the morals, and elevating 
the condition, spiritual and temporal, of the whole human 
race. In America our facilities for making them useful 
are vastly greater than in the old countries of Europe. 
We know nothing, comparatively, of those wide distinc- 
tions in society, which in Europe place a large part of the 
youth who are soon to inherit great wealth and splendid 
titles, and to exert a wide and powerful influence, far 
away from the sweet and happy influences of Sabbath 
School instruction. 

From this cause a very large proportion of the distin- 
guished youth grow up without those peculiar religious 
attachments which we find in many instances so impor- 
tant a barrier among our youth against the inroads of 
- immorality and crime. 

I have spoken of the value of Sabbath Schools generally. 
It would be very easy to go into details, and confirm the 
remark by various illustrations. One fact just occurs to 
my mind that is striking and most important. By a late 
report made to ‘the Parliament of Great Britain by the 
Board of Education, it appears that of three thousand 
boys who were educated at the Sabbath Schools in 
Gloucester, only one had been convicted of a public 
crime! Before a select committee it was stated that 
“Owing to the general establishment of Sabbath Schools in 
Wales, in one or two of the Counties the prison doors had 
been thrown open, and the speaker attributed it to education, 
because nearly every individual throughout these Counties 
attended the schools.” Every thing is valuable and inter- 


130 


esting which has the remotest tendency to advance the 
progress of true religion, and to promote the glory of God. 
And who that has looked upon this new moral machinery 
for the last twenty years, does not see that, like steam in 
the physical world, Sabbath Schools are to revolutionize 
the globe! And if they are patronized and fostered as 
they deserve to be, and the constant fervent prayer of 
faith continues to ascend for them and from them, they 
will be greatly instrumental in promoting the religion of 
the Gospel, that religion of which the great and good 
Robert Hall says, ‘It is the pillar of society, the safe-guard 
of nations, the parent of social order, which alone has 
power to curb the passions, and secure to every one his 
rights ; to the laborious, the reward of their industry, to 
the rich the enjoyment of their wealth, to the nobles the 
preservation of their honors, and to princes the stability 
of their thrones.” 

And what is it, my friends, that we study here, in the 
hope of so glorious a result? It is the Bridle, the blessed 
BIBLE. 


‘* Most wondrous Book! Bright candle of the Lord! 

Star of Eternity! The only star 
By which the bark of man could navigate 
The sea of life, and gain the coast of bliss 
Securely.” EW, Pe ee 

* * * «This blessed book— 
This lamp from off the everlasting Throne 
Mercy took down, and in the night of Time 
Stood, casting on the dark her gracious bow, | 
And evermore beseeching men, with tears, 
And earnest sighs, to read, believe and live.” 


I have often met with allusions to the Light-house, in 
reference to the Bible, but I never so much enjoyed the 





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131 


figure, or felt the full and peculiar force of it, as on my 
recent entrance into our harbor at midnight. The beau-. 
tiful light on the South upon Long Island Head, and the 
-splendid revolving light on the north side, (called the 
Boston light,) attracted and fixed my attention. And I 
could scarcely take off my eyes from them as long as 
they remained in sight. 

I pictured to myself a dark and stormy night in one ar 
our wintry months, and a ship laboring through the 
mighty deep, and on a course which would soon bring 
her upon rocks or shoals, and lead to total ship-wreck, 
when, just at that moment the light-house came in view. 
First one, and then the other, pointing with unerring 
hand, the course of safety. She shifts her sails, and 
changes her path through the boisterous waves. A pilot 
soon finds his way on board, and amid winds and storms 
she pursues her way, and is speedily anchored beyond 
the reach of danger, and where the tear of love and the 
voice of friendship welcome the happy mariner to the 
home he loves. Who has not felt the beauty and force 
of those familiar lines, 


‘¢ Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, 
Who never to himself hath said 
This is my own, my native land! 
Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned 
As home his footsteps he hath turned 
From wandering on a foreign strand?” 


And amid the boisterous waves of human life, how in 
like manner, does the Bible, that grand illuminator of the 
mind, guide us in every difficulty, relieve in every per- 
plexity, comfort in every sorrow, and sustain under every 
pressure. It smooths our passage to the grave, and, 
blessed be God, it does not, like worldly good, leave us 


4 


132 


there, but its promises console us as we descend into the 
cold stream which separates from Canaan, and light our 
way to the bright mansions of the paradise of God. 
Teachers! Scholars! Can you value too highly such 
a friend as the Bible? And can you fix too deeply upon 
your minds its all-important truths! You may remember, 
my teachers, the message which Dr. Payson sent to the 
young men under the care of the Education Society. 
There was something peculiarly solemn in it, for it was 


among the last of his choice words. Say to them, said 


he, What if God should place in your hand a diamond, 
and tell you to inscribe on it a sentence which should be 
read at the last day, and shown there as an index of your 
thoughts and feelings; what care, what caution, would 
you exercise in the selection! Now this is what God 
has done. He has placed before you immortal minds, 
more imperishable than the diamond, on which you are 
about to inscribe every day and every hour, by your 
instructions, by your spirit, by your example, something 
which will remain, and be exhibited for or pee you, 
at the judgment day. 

And, parents of these youth, need I say to you, how 
solemn is your charge, and how imperious your duty in 
regard to the religious education of your children! O let 
them see by every expression of your countenance, as well 
as every action of your life, how much you prize and 
reverence, and love the Holy Bible! 

An amiable and interesting young female was lately 
called to resign her life, and just before she expired, she 
exclaimed with intense anxiety, ‘‘ Mother, am I prepared 
to die?” O what a question to a mother, if conscience 
should at such a moment, reprove for awful, total neglect! 
You are aware that I passed more than a year and a half 


ae ‘as _ 


a a — 


ee a ee ne 


= 


133 


‘in the city of Paris and its environs. There I saw enough 
to satisfy me what misery must ensue where the Bible is 
rejected or neglected. ‘The great mass of those people 
are living, as Scripture expresses it, without God in the 
world, insensible to their high original, thoughtless of 
their eternal destiny. If they are crossed in some favorite 
scheme, or meet with a little adverse breeze, among the 
gales of human life, they fly to the poisonous cup, to the 
fatal pistol, or the engulphing stream. They have no 
God to go to, no refuge from the tempest, no ‘shadow of 
a rock in Christ Jesus,’ to shelter them from the scorch- 

_ing sun, no divine Comforter. to help them under their 
infirmities. 

For years the Parisians have been boring for water at 

-an immense expense, in the little village of Grenelle, near 
Paris, and after boring to the depth of 1,837 feet, they 
came to water which immediately rose to the surface, 
and continues still to flow in undiminished abundance. 
It is quite warm, even after it has risen to the surface, 
and it settles a highly interesting problem in practical 
geology, in relation to the heat of the earth increasing as 
you descend into it. ‘The Parisians are exceedingly in- 
terested in this experiment, and enchanted with the grand 
result. They contemplate great advantages from such a 
discovery. It is a fountain, full—overflowing—free and 
warm. Such a fountain is the Gospel, and it has been 
flowing on now for more than eighteen hundred years, 
and the Parisians, as well as others, have heard the 

| proclamation, ‘‘ Come ye to the waters, come and buy, 
without money and without price.” And yet they have 
turned a deaf ear to the call, and have preferred ‘‘ to hew 


out to themselves broken cisterns” of earthly good, that 
12 








134 


can yield them nothing but disappointment. Unhappy 
people ! . 
‘‘The gourds from which you look for fruit, 
Produce you only pain, 
A worm unseen attacks the root, 
And all your hopes are vain.” 


My friends, I have said something of an account that 
I ought to give of my pilgrimage abroad. In addition to 
what I have already remarked, let me revert to the pre- 
cious volume I hold in my hand. This donation from 
you, my young female scholars, I received on the eve of 
“my departure, with peculiar and grateful emotions. I 
immediately laid aside the Bible I had been accustomed 
to read, and determined to make yours the companion of 
my voyages and journies. And I can assure you it has 
' scarcely been out of my sight since the hour of its recep- 
tion. Four times have I read through the New Testa- 
ment, and twice the Old, since last I saw you; and let 
me give you as the result of my reading, in my own 
happy experience, that every perusal has strengthened my 
confidence in its revelations, and increased my gratitude 
to God for such a treasure. May it still be my guide and 
solace, and 
‘“ever lie —— 
Close to my heart, and near my eye 
*Till life’s last hour my soul engage, 
And be my chosen heritage.” 


Which ever way I turn, I meet some evidence of affec- 
tion,—some testimony to the value of Sabbath School 
friendships. This staff which you, my teachers, so kindly 


handed me, has been my companion on the ocean, and | 


my support on the land; and I assure you it has been as 


. 
—. ate Maes 
——— ee re — ae 








135 


good a letter of recommendation as any one of the num- 
ber I took. On certain occasions, I had only to present 
my staff, and it was at once a passport to confidence and 
affection. Like the magic sign of the Freemason, it had 
only to be disclosed and I was welcomed as a brother. 

When I look on this Bible,—this staff,—these letters, 
and these cards of good wishes, (cards written to me on 
the anniversary of my birth,) can you doubt whether 
these things have made an impression on my mind? 
Can I do other than consecrate afresh the strength which 
God may give me to the promotion of your best happiness ? 
And my dear scholars, need I say to you that the highest 
token of my love for you, may sometimes be exhibited 
in telling you of your faults. Count me not then as an 
enemy, when I do so, but love me more than ever for a 
faithfulness which will not suffer me to see you going on 
in error and sin, without raising to you the affectionate 
voice of warning, and, if need be, of admonition. 

You may remember, perhaps, the account of a painter 
who had completed a beautiful section on the side of the 
immense cupola of St. Paul’s church, and was one day 
retreating back from it to survey, in different lights, his 
performance. His steps would soon have brought him 
to the open spot behind, which would have precipitated 
him to the ground, several hundred feet, and probably 
caused immediate death. A person saw his danger, and 
had the presence of mind, and the good sense, to dash 
some paint upon the part on which the artist was so in- 
tently gazing. Enraged at the act, he darted forward to 
prevent a repetition of the injury, and soon discovered 
the danger which he had escaped through the apparent 
violence of his friend, and his reproaches were at once 
exchanged for grateful acknowledgments. I need not 


136 


make the application. You will easily see in the end, 
that to be kindness in your teachers, which wore a differ- 
ent aspect at first. . 

My friends, before I close, allow me to advert once 
more to our distinguished privileges and blessings. as a 
people, and in an especial manner to the smiles of heaven 
upon this school. I feel more than ever the suitableness 
and force of that appeal of the Apostle, ‘ by the mercies 
of God, to present myself to Him soul and body, a living 
sacrifice, and surely it is a reasonable service.’ What is 
it but mercy that has carried out and protected abroad 
me and my companions, and has commanded the winds 
and waves in our behalf, and raised up friends in every 
place to give us a kind welcome? And when I look 
around me, and see once more so many friends on this 
side the Atlantic, friends of my youth, and friends of 
later date, tried and faithful friends, what is it but mercy 
that has thus dealt with me! And let me speak of one more 
mercy, precious indeed, which probably more than twenty 
in this school will feel as their own peculiar mercy through 
a happy eternity! I refer to those who, since I left, 
have turned their feet into the narrow way of life. My 
dear young brothers and sisters, who may be present, 
receive my heartiest congratulations upon this wise and 
happy step. You have entered on a course in which you 
may constantly enjoy your Saviour’s smiles, in which 
angels will be your companions, on which the eye of a 
benignant God rests with peculiar delight. Be faithful 
unto death, and eternal truth has promised, you shall 
have ‘a crown of life.” 

My friends, I had many things to say, but the time 
fails me, and to proceed I should only weary your pa- . 
tience. I rejoice that I find myself once more among 








137 


you, returned through your prayers, to this scene of 
delightful labor. It has been a source of great happiness 
to me while abroad, to know that my dear scholars were — 
led in and out of pasture by so indefatigable and faithful 
a shepherd as the acting superintendent, aided by so 
many devoted and affectionate teachers. How much do 
I owe to these valued friends for their many prayers and 
affectionate good wishes. May He who inspired you 
with these kind feelings, enrich you with every grace, 
and surround you with every blessing, and when we have 
done the work assigned us on earth, in the humble sphere 
we now occupy, may we all be transferred to a world 
where imperfection can never be found, where sin can 
* never enter; and where, through the infinite merits of our 
Redeemer, we shall constantly be gaining new heights -f 
- unmingled felicity. 


When all Thy mercies, O my God, 
My rising soul surveys, 

Transported with the view I’m lost 
In wonder, love and praise. 


O how shall words with equal warmth 
The gratitude declare, 

That glows within my ravished heart! 
But Thou can’st read it there. 


Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss 
Hath made my cup run o’er, 

And in these kind and faithful friends, 
Hath doubled all my store. 


Ten thousand, thousand precious gifts 
My daily thanks employ, 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart, 
That tastes these gifts with joy. 
* 


138 


Through every period of my life, 
Thy goodness I’ll proclaim, 

And after death in distant worlds, 
Resume the glorious theme. 


When nature fails, and day and night 
Divide Thy works no more, 

My ever grateful heart, O Lord, 
Thy mercy shall adore. 


Through all eternity to Thee 
A joyful song Ill raise, 
But O! Lternity’s too short 
To utter all Thy-praise. 


ADDRESS ON THE THIRTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF 
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MASON STREET SABBATH 
SCHOOL, MAY 12, 1850. 


Parents, Teachers, Scholars,—Friends of this Sabbath 
School: —I meet you this day with feelings of a peculiar 


character. The paper in your hands, informs you 
that thirty-three years have rolled away, since, through 


prayer, effort and perseverance, this school was estab- 


lished. ‘Twenty of these years I have been connected 
with it, and seventeen of these I have had the happiness 
of superintending its concerns. How much longer I may 
be with you, is of course, known only to Him, who directs 
every movement of our lives, and orders every event in 
perfect wisdom, and unbounded love. 

My attachment to the Sabbath School cause, and the 
deep interest I cherish in the prosperity and improvement 
of this school, are not only unabated, but they increase 
with every Sabbath that I am allowed the privilege of 





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oe a 








139 


laboring among you. I think I feel something of the 
responsibility of my situation, and were it not for the 
hope that I may confidently repose upon a mind that 
never errs, and upon an arm that never tires, I should 
long since have fallen under my burthen, and some 
other voice would now speak to you of God and heaven. 

Since this school was organized, upwards of four 
thousand children and youth have enjoyed its instruc- 
tions. I dare not trust myself to speak of many who 
have said and written to me words which I can never 
forget, and which are treasured up in the safest and 
sweetest apartments of memory’s cabinet. If we were 
allowed the distinguished and hallowed privilege of rais- 
ing for a moment some small corner of that curtain which 
now conceals from our vision the innumerable cloud of 
spiritual witnesses that are hovering around us, I doubt 
not you would behold, and with a joy that language 
cannot paint, many youthful seraphs, and many devoted 
teachers, who, through the ages of a whole eternity, will 
remember with thanksgivings their connection in time, 
- with this blessed Institution. 

It was probably a glimpse of the brightness with which 
holy beings were encircled in heaven, that led the excel- 
lent Mr. Macksworth, on retiring to his chamber after the 
death of a beloved son, and holding communion with God, 
to say to a friend that he seemed_willing to part with a 
son every day, if he might be permitted to enjoy such 
intercourse with heaven as he had just experienced; so 
overpowered was he with the nearness of God and the 
sweetness and efficacy of prayer. 

It is religion, and religion alone, that makes man 
happy, and my young friends, it is to make you happy for 
both worlds, that the Sabbath School is provided. Satis- 


140 


fied as we are that youth is the important and promising 
season for treasuring up divine truth, and receiving im- 
pressions on the mind to last forever, we feel earnestly 
solicitous to impart to you, as we are able, those counsels 
of heavenly wisdom which we hope are ardently cherished 
by ourselves, and which our kind Father in heaven has 
committed to us in the volume of inspiration. In this 
endeavor, it is our happiness to know, that we are follow- 
ing the example of our divine Saviour, and are striving 
to fix in the young mind those cheering and infinitely 
important truths which He has communicated to the 
world. And when we look at this dear and Almighty 
Friend while he tabernacled in the flesh, taking even 
little children in his arms and blessing them, how are we 
encouraged to labor with the youngest of Christ’s lambs, 
that they may be brought early into His fold. 

The feeling which we should cherish with regard to 
very young children was beautifully illustrated some- 
time since at a meeting in Dr. Rafiles’s vestry in Liver- 
pool, of friends to the Sabbath School. After several 
prayers and some remarks had been offered, a clergyman 
from North Wales, distinguished for his pointed and 
impressive manner of conveying truth to the young, 
rose, and among other touching remarks, in which the 
Welch are proverbially happy, said, Have you ever seen 
an affectionate mother in the act of parting for a season, 
with her children? She kisses each in succession, and 
gives to each some kind, wise, earnest word of counsel or 
caution. ‘There is one member however, of the loved 
circle, to whom she does not speak directly, but of whom 
she is thinking more, and for whom she is feeling more 
tenderly than for all the rest. She takes the dear infant 
to her bosom, hugs it, kisses it,—and calling the servant, 





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ET ee 





141 


puts it into her arms, and says, ‘‘ Now, Mary, whatever 
you do, take care of Baby.” With quivering lip and 
tearful eye, she crosses the threshold—but turns again, 
and impresses another warm kiss on her darling’s cheek. 
She moves slowly from her habitation, but instantly she 
stops, hesitates a moment, runs back with hurried step, 
and cries with almost inarticulate emotion, ‘‘ Now, Mary, 
do be sure to take care of Baby.” ‘Thus,” he went on 
to say—‘‘ Jesus felt, and thus he spoke when he was 
leaving the world and about to rise to heaven. His heart 
turned to the younger branches of that family, whom 
he had come to ransom with his blood, the babes of his 
household, the lambs of his flock. His affection to them 
for the time seemed to absorb all other feeling, and make 
Him even forgetful of the ‘honor and glory that awaited 
Him. He heard the wheels of His triumphant chariot 
rolling over the pavement of the heavenly Zion, issuing 
from its gates, and coming nearer and nearer to the spot 
where, with his beloved disciples, He awaited its approach. 
He saw the unnumbered multitudes of angels advancing 
to escort Him to His Throne, but still the lambs lay near- 
est to his heart, and at the very instant of anticipated 
mediatorial triumph, He says to Peter, ‘ Lovest thou me ?’ 
and when Peter answered, ‘ Yea, Lord, thou knowest that 
T love thee,’—then said He, ‘ Feed my lambs.’ ” 

There were few eyes in the great assembly that were 
not moistened with a tear when the good Welch minister, 
in his peculiar and emphatic manner, pronounced these 
words. . 

And my young friends, it is because we wish to imitate 
this dying command of our Saviour that we invite you to 
the Sabbath School. We look on the whirlpool of life, 
(as the natural whirlpool near the coast of Norway is 


142 


represented on our paper,) and see that you are sur- 
rounded with many and fearful and fascinating influences. 
We know that your strength is comparative weakness, 
and that without the aids and restraints of religion, you 
will, in all human probability, be drawn into the vortex, 
and hurried down to ruin. In this moment of our appre- 
hension, we point you to the Gospel, as you are taught in 


the Sabbath School, that you may be early on your guard ~ 


against dangers so alluring, and yet so terrific, and urge 
you to change your course, and fly the danger. Had the 
ship you notice on our paper regarded the buoy which 
you will observe on the left of the cut, and which is 


outside the influence of the whirlpool, she would have 


escaped the peril she is in, and which threatens her with 
immediate, and irremediable destruction. And so if you 


will listen to the counsels of the Sabbath School, the — 


faithful buoy which your friends have placed near you as 
a floating beacon to warn you of danger, you will escape 
the awful shipwreck which awaits those, who, careless of 
warnings, and deaf to remonstrances, plunge on upon the 
seductive wave of thoughtlessness and pleasure, and when 
too late, cry for that relief which then it is not in the 
_ power of man to afford. They shrink as did the unhappy 
and guilty female, when in the hour of death, she cried out 


to a weeping parent, “I am going, I am going—but not 


to God.” 

My friends, the grand object as you well know, of the 
Sabbath School is, to endeavor in our instruction to give 
such a prominence to the Bible in the minds of youth 
that they shall be led early to venerate and study it as 
the infallible Word of God. To fix in their minds the 
great truths, that God is every where present, that he 
notices every thought which we cherish, every action 


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a eC ee ere 





143 


which we perform, every motive which sways our conduct, 
and that he will bring us in the Great Day to judgment, 
and will then reward or punish every one ‘according to 
the deeds done in the body.’ We would teach them, 
from this blessed volume, the character of the divine 
Saviour, and the needful influences of the Holy Spirit, the 
guide and Comforter, who is promised to lead us into all 
necessary truth. We would teach them what they are 
by nature, and what is meant by an entire change of 
heart. We would impress them with the lovely character 
of their heavenly Father, and His condescension and 
wonderful grace in giving them such a book as the Bible, 
that book which, as one observes, ‘“‘ was given as it is, 
because God knew the mind of man, and knew that he 
had more curiosity than piety, more taste than sanctity, 
and that more persons are anxious to hear something 
new, or read some beauteous thing, than to read or hear 
about God and the great salvation. He therefore filled 
it with marvellous and amazing incident, with engaging 
history, with sunny pictures from the old world scenery, 
and affecting anecdotes from the Patriarchal times. He 
replenished it with stately argument and thrilling verse, 
and sprinkled it over with sententious wisdom, and pro- 
verbial pungency. He made it a book of lofty thoughts 
and noble images, a book of heavenly doctrine, but yet of 
earthly adaptation. In preparing a guide to immortality, 
Infinite Wisdom gave not a dictionary, or a grammar, 
but a Bible—a book which in trying to catch the heart of 
man, should captivate his taste, and which, in transform- 
ing his affections, should also expand his intellect. The 
pearl is of great price; but even the casket is of ex- 
quisite beauty. The apples are gold; but even the 
basket is silver.” 


144 


My young friends, do we not offer you a rich treat, 
when we invite you to partake with us of such fare ? 


‘¢ Never did angels taste above 
Such wondrous grace, such dying love.” . 


Read the story of Joseph, and see if no tear is falling, 
while you read how he makes himself known to his 


brethren, and presses the beloved Benjamin to his bosom. 


Read the twenty-eighth chapter of Job, and see if you 
are not struck with its sublimity, and the inimitable 
manner in which it discovers to you where ‘ wisdom is to 
be found, and where is the place of understanding.’ Read 
the twenty-third Psalm, ‘‘ The Lord is my Shepherd,” 
and see if your desponding thoughts are not vanquished. 
Study the fortieth chapter of the lofty Isaiah, and take 
hold of the promise ‘‘ they that wait upon the Lord shall 
renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings,as 
eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall 
walk and not faint.” 

Look into the New Testament and trace the Saviour 
from his cradle to the cross, and from the cross to his 
throne, and what do you witness, but scenes upon which 
the angels bend from their bright seats in heaven to look. 

Oh the deep mysteries of the Cross ! 


‘¢Our God in human flesh arrayed, 
Puts all things else in deepest shade.” 


Study then this blessed volume, read it with prayer, 
with expectation and an eager eye. In your retirement 
read it, and with friends who love it, come together and 
search it, sift it, talk about it, talk with it. And as you 
thus grow ‘ mighty in the Scriptures,” we promise you 
two rewards,—they will make you both happier and wiser. 





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145 


_ Ihave said, my young friends, use prayer in the study 
of the Bible. Remember this, that without asking aid 
from above, you will never rightly understand it. And 
always remember that you may at any moment, in any 
place, on all occasions, raise your petitions to the Throne 
of Grace. 

We are told that Pius [X., who was elected Pope, 
June, 1846, caused a letter-box to be put up on the out- 
side of his palace, in which the people were invited to 
deposit letters to him. Whoever had any complaint to 
make, or any petition to offer, could drop a written state- 
ment into the box, feeling assured that it would come 
under his sovereign’s eye. Pius proposed to keep his own 
key and go himself for the letters. 

Jesus Christ has a letter-box. There is one, it has 
been said, in every sanctuary, in every dwelling, in every 
closet. It has been put up for the people, for all classes, 
the rich and the poor, the ignorant and the learned, the 
vicious and the moral, the young and the old. Whatever 
are your wants, your dangers, your griefs—go to the 
Letter-box. Your ever watchful Saviour will attend to 
your petitions, and the prayer of faith will be assuredly 
and graciously answered. And the next time that any 
of you go to this letter-box, do not forget to ask that the 
Sabbath School year on which we are entering to-day, 
may be signalized by a powerful and glorious revival in 
our midst, of pure religion. 

In looking over a volume recently published by the 
American Tract Society entitled ‘ Home Evangelization,’ 
I was forcibly struck with the statement in regard to the 
extent of our country, increased within four years by an 
empire more than one-half as large in itself as all the 


United States before the acquisition! ‘* The Mississippi, 
13 


146 


so lately considered the frontier of our country, is now, 
only the centre. With the addition just referred to, the 
United States are now estimated to be nearly as are as 
the whole of Europe! ” 

My friends, can we in view of all these things, doubt 
what is the duty of those who understand any thing of 
the moral bearing of these new and stupendous events in 
our nation’s history? Are we not constrained to feel a 


deeper interest than ever in the rising generation? Suffer. 


them to rise up to manhood uninstructed in the great 
truths of religion, and without any gospel armor to pro- 
tect them from the thousand dangers which are soon to 
assail them in every form—and what may we not expect 
from such an irreligious, unprincipled population, increas- 
ing by its natural growth, and by an unexampled flow of 
emigration, bidding fair to reach, before this century ex- 
pires, the enormous aggregate of more than a hundred 
million of inhabitants ! 

A lady, Mr. Abbott remarks, who very recently died 
in this neighborhood, but a few hours before her departure, 
said to her pastor, ‘‘It is a pleasant thing—yes, it is a 
pleasant thing to die. When you speak of me to my 
children, and refer to my death, have a cheerful counte- 
nance, and do not let their associations with death have a 
gloomy character; let them be bright and pleasant, for 
indeed it is a pleasant thing to die.” Now what could 
sustain this young mother to such a degree under such 
circumstances? It was that she had early treasured up 
the promises of Scripture, had made the Bible ‘‘ the man 
of her counsel,” and chosen the Saviour for her portion. 
And if you come forward early into the fold of Christ, 
having loved the place where the Bible is taught, you 
will bring with you a most valuable stock of biblical 


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147 - 


knowledge, and a capacity for more vigorous action than 
your fathers can manifest. Thus you will be able to 
cope to vastly greater advantage with the enemies you. 
may encounter, and hurl back with ten-fold force the 
poisoned shafts which may be aimed at your shield. <As 
the merchant who is able to bring into a concern a large 
amount of capital, can prosecute the business with more 
ease, adopt plans on a broader scale, and thus secure 
safety and success almost with a moral certainty,—so, 
filled with heavenly wisdom which you have sought 
from above, you will come forward in life well equipped 
for its conflicts, and proof against all the devices of 
your most subtle and powerful enemy. On this subject 
it was observed by Dr. Nettleton, that when a sinner is 
converted, he not only lays down his arms, but repairs to 
the camp of Immanuel, to fight for Him, and with His 
weapons. ‘ Thus,” he observed, ‘it was said of the cel- 
ebrated Jerome, Origen and Tertullian, that they came 
into Canaan laden with Egyptian gold; that is, they came 
into the church full of excellent learning and abilities, 
with which they eminently served God.” 

In concluding these remarks, let me recommend to you, 
my young friends, that you early form a definite plan of 
life—that is, determine what shall be the grand object of 
living—or, in the language of our admirable catechism, 
what you shall do that you may “ glorify God and enjoy 
Him forever.” ‘Thousands of men,” says Chalmers, 
‘‘ breathe, move and live; pass off the stage of life, and 
are heard of no more. Why? Because they did not a 
particle of good in the world; and none were blessed by 
‘ them, none could point to them as the instruments of their 
spiritual safety; not a line they wrote, not a word they 
spoke for their Saviour could be recalled, and so they 


148 


perished, their light went out in darkness, and they were 
not remembered more than the insects of yesterday. 
Will you thus live, and die, O immortal youth!” he asks. 
‘* Live for something. Do good and leave behind you a 
monument of virtue that the storms of time can never 
destroy. Write your name by kindness, love and mercy 
on the hearts of the thousands with whom you come in 
contact every year, and you will never be forgotten. No, 
your name, your deeds will be as legible on the hearts 
you leave behind, as the stars on the brow of evening. 
Good deeds will shine as brightly on the earth as the stars 
in heaven.” 

These remarks are beautifutly and powerfully illustra- 
ted in the recent decease of a colored woman in the town 
of Brunswick, Maine. She had been for a number of 
years in the service of a highly respectable family, and 
while with them and after she resided by herself, her 
kindness of disposition, readiness to every good work, 
judicious counsel, and intelligent and,devoted piety, so 
won upon the respect and confidence of the church, and a 
very large circle of friends, who in various ways became 
acquainted with her, that her decease, though at a very 
advanced age, was considered a public loss. On the day 
of her funeral many of the shops in the place were closed, 
business was generally suspended, and the Rev. Dr. 
Allen, formerly President of Bowdoin College, made a 
journey of two hundred and fifty miles, from Northampton, 
where he now resides, that he might attend her funeral, 
and thus pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of 
this humble but devoted and useful servant of our common 
Master ; and tears were shed which are rarely seen when 
the rich and the great who have lived only for themselves 
are committed to the splendid tomb. Here is the evi- 





4 
4 





149 


dence that goodness is preferable to greatness, and that 
God will assuredly honor those “‘ who honor Him.” 

And let me say to all present, that we need not go far 
to find objects upon which we may safely, profitably and 
most acceptably, bestow our prayers, our charities and 
our labors. They meet us at every turn in life, and that 
must be a sad day indeed in which the Christian heart 
has not beat with one compassionate feeling toward a 
suffering brother of the human family. An excellent but 
somewhat eccentric clergyman, one Sabbath, not long 
since, at the conclusion of the services, gave notice to his 
congregation, that in the course of the week he expected 
to go on a mission to the heathen. The members of his | 
church were struck with alarm and sorrow at this unex- 
pected announcement of their beloved Pastor, and one of 
the Deacons in great agitation exclaimed, ‘‘ What shall 
we do?” ‘Qh brother,” said the clergyman, with great 
calmness, ‘* J don’t expect to go out of town!” 

And so, my friends, we need not go out of our city to 
do great and permanent good. The arrangements now 
making by the City Missionary Society will open to you 
most important fields of useful labor at your very doors. 
You will find, if you engage in this enterprise, continual 
opportunities for drying the widows’ tear, cheering the 
-desponding soul, comforting the orphan, guiding the per- 
plexed, recovering the prodigal, and so comforting the 
hearts of multitudes, that each of you can say, as Job 
did, **‘ When the ear heard me, then it blessed me, and 
when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me, because I 
delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him 
that had none to help him.’ The blessing of him that was 
ready to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s 
heart to sing for joy. Iwas eyes to the blind, and feet 


150 


was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor, and the 
cause which I knew not, I searched out.” 

And among the prominent calls upon your écreinena 
efforts, will be, attention to the moral and religious edu- 
cation of the young, and more particularly the case of 
those who, from various causes, are exposed to peculiar 
perils, emphatically those ‘‘ for whom no man cares.” 

The Sabbath School was originally designed for this 
class, though from the happy influence it has exerted, it 
is regarded now as next to the church, and a mighty 
auxiliary to that blessed institution, as well as one of the 
most powerful engines that can be brought to bear upon 
the subtle and deadly attacks of the great enemy of souls. 

At the concusion of a tea-party of Sabbath School 
Teachers at Zion Chapel, in London, the following senti- 
ment was proposed. - 

‘¢The Queen and Prince of Wales—May she prove a 
pious mother, and fe an obedient son.” The speaker 
paused, and then added—“ and may his father send him 
to a Sabbath School.” 

Friends of religion, order, peace, and purity of morals, 
the Teachers in all our Sabbath Schools ask you to lend 
them your efficient aid in prosecuting the good work in 
which they are engaged. ‘They need your counsels, your 
. personal efforts, your occasional pecuniary aid, and espe- 
cially your prayers—that they may be sustained in their 
labors, and assured of your hearty co-operation in the 
plans and instructions they may adopt for the improve- 
ment of their scholars. ‘Though we may plant and water 
with ever so much diligence, we must always remember 
that God alone can give the increase, and that He may 
bestow this blessing He has said, ‘ He will be inquired 
of by His children to do it for them,’ 





151. 


Beloved youth, you cannot but be aware that separa- 
tions are continually taking place in our families, schools 
and neighborhoods. We look around on these anniver- 
saries, and on each we notice some vacant spot, where 
but recently we met the smile of some long-tried friend— 
but one that now sleeps in the dust. 

While I speak, the forms of many rise in my mind, and 
I seem to hear them saying, with a distinctness which I 
cannot mistake, ‘* What thou doest, do quickly: the night 
cometh, in which no man can work.” I have spoken to 
you in these remarks, with the lips of others, more than 
my own, and Iam warranted therefore in begging your 
most earnest attention to the things which you have heard, 
‘lest at any time you should let them slip.” 

Let the Anniversary year on which we enter to-day, 
be characterized by this attention. You will never regret 
the decision you make in listening to a Saviour’s invitation. 
All heaven will approve your course, and a whole eternity 
will prove its wisdom. 








POEMS. 


THE same earnest and loving spirit which sought 
expression in words and deeds of Christian counsel 
and sympathy, found utterance also in the composition 
of “hymns, and spiritual songs,” as well as in poetry 
of a lighter character, which, however, the writer never 
allowed to be dignified by any other name than 
“Lines.” 

As, however, they are “Lines” which for their 
tender, earnest, and simple exhibition of truth, we 
cannot but desire to preserve, a few have been selected 
as a fitting close to this little volume. 


HY MN« 


“OQ God my heart is fixed.” Ps. eviii, 1. 


Fixed.is the purpose of my soul, 
Tis formed in strength divine ; 

That while I live and breathe and act, 
My God, I will be Thine. 


Thine to obey Thy wise commands, 
Thine to submit to Thee, 

Thine to rejoice in all Thy will, 
Through vast eternity. 








153 
Thou God! hast formed me for Thyself, 
Hast taught my heart to rise 


Above the vanities of time, 
And seek my native skies. 


And can I ever yield my heart 
Again to court the joys, 

Whose influence binds me to the earth, 
And solid peace destroys ? 


Far hence, ye baits of sense, begone, 
The gilded barb I see ; 

Foiled tempter! cease thy snaring arts, 
They have no charms for me. 


My Saviour, teach this wav’ring heart, 
To feel Thy bleeding love ; 
And teach, oh teach my wand’ring steps 
To seek Thy throne above. 


My lips shall glow with themes divine, 
And celebrate Thy praise ; 

My noblest powers shall all unite 
A grateful hymn to raise. 


Wide be Immanuel’s honors spread, 
Wide let His sceptre sway ; 

He stooped a fallen world to save, 
And bear its sins away. 


O may this great Redeemer reign 
Triumphant in my heart ; 

Restraining each unholy thought, 
And each unworthy art. 


154 


Exalting all my views, and aims, 
My every hope and joy; ° 

And yielding to my breast a peace, 
Which nothing can destroy. 2 


January 1, 1817. 


JESUS WEPT. 


Jesus in tears! how dear the page 
Which such a scene displays ; 
My eyes, by faith, survey the tomb, 

And, wondering, silent gaze. 


Did friendship call forth drops like these, 
Affliction to relieve, 

To bid+the sister’s sorrows flee, 
And mourners cease to grieve ? 


Yes, and the same benignant Friend, 
Whose word the tomb obeyed ; 
Who, to a mother’s eager gaze, 
Her living hope displayed ; 


Looks now, from His exalted throne, 
With sympathy divine ; 

And all our sighs, and all our tears, 
Fulfill His kind design. 


They lead our hearts to seek relief, 
Whence only succor flows ; 

They lead us to the ‘‘ Word of Life,”’ 
The haven of repose ! 








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155 


Press’d with our griefs, we find in prayer, 
A Saviour always near ; 

To whom His suppliant children now, 
Are, as was Lazarus, dear. 


And though, blest Jesus! now, Thou can’st 
No mortal sorrows feel ; 

Thy powerful Word commissioned comes, 
Our bleeding hearts to heal. 


We feel Thy power, we trust Thy care, 
Great Saviour, all Divine! 

Henceforth to Thee, our friends, our all, 
We joyfully resign. 


With Thee, thou sympathizing Friend, 
_ They shall be safely kept ; 
Lord! ’tis enough—Thy Word has said— 
Blest Word! that ‘‘ Jesus wept.” 
1818. 


LINES, 


_ Written upon reviewing a scene of great suffering, where the attentions of a 


beloved mother were most affectionate and untiring. 


The sweetest pillow to be found, 
A mother’s bosom proves ; 

No feelings can with hers compare, 
None like a Mother loves. 


When sickness seized my little frame, 
And pain compelled my tears, 

She hushed me on this pillow soft, 
And lulled away my fears. 


156 


- When feverish thirst compelled me oft’. 
The cooling draught to crave, 
Her prudence frequent would deny, 
But sweet the kiss she gave. 





And then upon her bosom laid, 

_ She walked with me and sung; 

And never ’till I tranquil felt, 
Thought her fond task was done. _ 


Her moistened eye, too, I have seen 
Darting a prayer on high ; 

I knew it was for me she prayed, 
That then I might not die. 


Dear mother! when in future life 
By thousand snares beset, 

Thy early, anxious, watchful care, | 
I’m tempted to forget ; A 


May thy loved image to my mind | 
In all its charms appear, 
And then in virtue’s holy path, 
My feet shall persevere. 
1819. : 


MISSIONARY HYMN. 


With reference to the MONTHLY CONCERT OF PRAYER throughout the 
world, on the first Monday in the month. 


Hark! hark! a distant shout of joy! 

_ The world—the world is. calling ; 

In East and West, in North and South, 
See Satan’s kingdom falling ! 


157 


Awake! awake, the Church of God! 
And dissipate thy slumbers ; 
Shake off thy deadly apathy, 
And marshal all thy numbers. 


Trust! trust the ever faithful God ; 
‘His promise is unfailing: 
The prayer of faith can pierce the skies ; 
Its breath is all-prevailing. 


Look! look! the fields are harvest white, 
And stay thy hand no longer ; 

Tho’ Satan’s mighty legions fight, 
The arm of God is stronger. 


The Cross ! the Cross! is raised on high, 
The Crescent droops before it ; 

The Pagan nations feel its power, 
And reverently adore it. 


Rejoice ! rejoice ! God reigns o’er all ; 
See prophecy fulfilling ; 

The hearts of stubborn Jews relent, 
In God’s own time made willing. 


Pray! pray then, Christians, fervent pray ; 
Tho’ “ faint,”’ be ‘‘ yet pursuing ; ”’ 
_ And cease not, day by day, the prayer 
” Of lively faith renewing. 


Soon, soon, your eager, waiting eyes 
Shall see the heavens rending, 
And rich, and richer blessings still 
From God’s bright throne descending. 
January, 1842. 
14 





158 


GIDEON’S FLEECE. 


When Israel’s foes their strength combined, 
And pitched in Jezreel’s vale, . 

Prepared with chariot, spear and bow, 
God’s chosen to assail ; 


T’ was then that dauntless Gideon rose, 
In faith and victory strong, 
Confiding that the victory, 
To Israel would belong. 


With fervent prayer to God he cried, 
‘If Israel Thou wilt save 

As Thou hast said, with this mine hand, 
And rescue from the grave ; 


Look now upon this fleece of wool, 
Spread here beneath my feet ; 
If falling dews leave dry the earth, 

The fleece alone being wet ; 


Then shall I know that Thou, O God, 
Wilt save with this mine hand, 

From the proud bostile hosts, that now 
Pollute fair Canaan’s land.”’ 


And it was so: for when he rose 
With early morning light, 

And hastened to the sacred fleece, 
He pressed it with delight. 





159 


For, while on the adjacent earth, 

_ No moisture could be found, 

Upon the pledge Jehovah gave, 
The copious dews abound. 


But added proof was given still, 
To answer Gideon’s prayer ; 
Who asked the miracle reversed, 
To stamp his mission clear. 


‘* Let only now the fleece be dry, 
; And on the ground be dew ; 
Then shall I fearlessly advance, 
And Israel’s foes pursue.’ 


T’was so that night: the fleece was dry, 
While clustering dews around 

The power of Israel’s God proclaimed, 
And Gideon’s triumph crowned. 


February, 1829. 


ero LITTLE HILL OF CALVARY.” 


See Sinai’s Mount encircled round 
With glory all divine, 

Its thunders burst upon the ear, 
Its vivid lightnings shine. 


A present God its glory shows : 
And listening throngs receive 
The holy, just and righteous Law, 

His lips in thunder give. 





1825. 


160 


See Tabor’s top with splendors gilt, 
That overwhelm the sight ; 

And Heaven’s holy messengers 
In forms divinely bright ! 


But there’s a Mount my steps ascend, 
With more delight than these ; 

That Mount which Jesus wet with blood, 
My eye with wonder sees. 


There I behold, not Sinai’s flame, 
Nor Tabor’s whelming light ; 

I fix my gaze on yonder Cross, 
And triumph in the sight. 


That Cross inspires my every joy, 
‘My hopes all centre there, 

Jesus has died that man might live, 
And all His glory share. 


The ‘‘ Little Hill of Calvary ”’ stands 
Pre-eminently high, 
Connecting by its sacred scenes, 
This earth with yonder sky. 


Thither I trace the ‘* Lord of Life,’’ 
In majesty arrayed, | 

And long and pant His praise to tal 
Who my full ransom paid. ; 








Oe Wate ae RE 


a! 4 sed = eee 





161 


FOR A LADY’S ALBUM. 


In prospect what a hive of sweets, 
I see this book unfold ! | 
Gathered from minds of richest hue 

Of purest, brightest mould ! 


Age, Youth, Love, Friendship, all combine 
To decorate the page ; 

Each tasking all its noblest powers, 
The mental thirst t’ assuage. 


The silvered head its neated stores, 
_ May lovingly impart 

Counsels to regulate the life, 
And purify the heart : 


Strives to give truth attractive forms, 
And urges present sway ; 

‘« To-morrow ”’ it proclaims ‘‘ is not,— 
‘Wisdom secures To-day.”’ 


Youth, jocund Youth, with frolic hand, 
Th’ obedient pen directs, 

And slyly seeks to wake the smile, 
At lovers’ sad defects. 


And Love itself, intent to please 
Some bright and favorite eye, 
Arrays its choicest sentiments, 
In melting melody. 
* 


1829. 


REFLECTIONS FOR CHBISTMAS. 


162 


Sweet Beeadshens messenger of Heaven! ! 
Fills many. pages here ; - 

Rejoices now thy sky is bright, 
Now, sheds with thee a tear. 


Presents itself at every step 
Of life’s all varying scene, 
And presses closer to the heart, 
- When dangers lie between. 


While, through the vista of long aes ; 
With eagerness I look, 

And trace throughout their pilgrimage, 
The writers in this book ; 


My mind with heayen-directed eye, 
Would breathe this fervent prayer, 
That all whose names are written here, 

May shine in glory there. 


Behold I bring you good tidings.—Luke ii. 10. 


See herald Angels wing their way 
To visit man’s abode ; 

Their visage speaks a work of love, 
Their message is from God. 


With what ecstatic joy they speak ! 
What heavenly grace display ! 

And O my soul, with transport hear, 
A Saviour’s born to-day. 





163 





Rise every joyful, grateful thought, 
Th’ incarnate God to bless ; 

"Tis wondrous, ’tis redeeming love 
Secures thy happiness. | 


Welcome to Earth the sacred Babe, 
And choicest incense bring ; 

More fragrant than the eastern myrrh, 
Or sweet perfumes of Spring. 


And now the heaven-born Child behold, 
Dispensing truth around ; | 

Where’er His path, whate’er His rords; 
Blessings of grace abound. 


| 
The sightless eye and darker mind, 
His healing power invite ; 
And-with an energy divine, 
His word makes darkness light. 


4 


The tempest knows His voice divine, 
And changes to a calm ; 

He walks. upon the aaliie wave, 
Unconscious of alarm. 


The palsied limb His touch revives, 
His word recalls the dead ; 

And thousands by His miracle 
Feed on the wondrous bread. 


His sacred lips with heavenly grace, 
In rich profusion yield 

Instruction drawn from passing scenes, ~ 
And flowers of the field. 


164- 


He calls on nature to attest — 
-The Father’s watchful care ; 
And bids the sparrow and the grass, 
A providence. declare. 


His steps are marked by tend’rest love, - 
His speech like dew distils ; 

The heart with anguish rent for sin, 
With healing balm He fills. 


But all this rich, diffusive love, 
This condescending grace, 
Extended with benignant hand, 

To our apostate race, 


Could not the heart of envy touch, 
Or brutal hand restrain— 

His blood, His vital blood must flow, 
E’er malice can refrain. 


Yes, murderous men, His blood must flow, 
Soon must your victim die ; 

But oh! in this most precious fount, 
What healing virtues lie. 


In this dear fountain all must wash, 
Yes! e’en His murderers too; - 

If their hard hearts contrition feel, 
And for His mercy sue. 


My eyes now raised to yonder Cross, 
With tears of anguish flow ; 
And hark ! the interceding prayer, 
“ They know not what they do.” 





165 





This scene of grief and keen distress, 
Draws to a fearful close ; 

‘¢ Tis finished,” said His dying lips, 

‘ And ended are His woes. 


And now the awful conflict past, 
‘The Father’s will is done. 

The powers of darkness are dismayed, 
The victory is won ! 


See now His triumph o’er the tomb, 
His progress heavenward view ; 
He rises to His Father’s throne, 
To intercede for you. 


oly. <: | 


THOUGHTS FOR THE CLOSING YEAR. 


Retiring year, farewell. This setting Sun, 

Bears thee, where dwell the days long since gone by ; 
’Tis solemn, but instructive to reflect, | 

What record bears it to the Courts on High ? 


My page of life! what stamp does time impress ? 
Is it thick-set with virtues of the skies? 

Is it a page which angels read with joy ? 
And ponder over with admiring eyes? 


Does that pure eye, which unveiled Seraphs shun, 
Behold my groveling thoughts of every day ? 
And does the faithful register of Heaven 
Spread forth my ‘‘ idle words ”’ in dread array ? 





Sure it is so.—This soul all naked stands, © 
Soiled as it is, full in Omniscient view ; 
With all its proud, and vain, and worldly thoushes 
And all ‘‘ the good I would, but did not do.” 


Great God, forgive the follies of the past, 
Wash, in Immanuel’s blood, my sins away ; 
And never more from Jesus’ happy fold, 
May I ungrateful and perversely stray. 


Let every hour and year of common life, 
Be filled with active, self-denying love, 


"Till Thou shalt bid my earthly labors cease, 4 

And place me in the Paradise above. : 
1828. 

LINES, 

Written on the last leaf of an Album. ; y 

If on the humblest part of the last leaf 4 


Of God’s great book, I find my worthless name 
Inscribed, as one who loved the Saviour here 
And hoped, through His atoning blood, to see 
His smiling face in heaven—’tis all I ask— 
Rich, free, unbounded grace, be thine the praise. 
Through vast eternity O let my song” 

Louder and louder swell through all the skies, 
And tell throughout a never-ending day, 

How mercy interposed, and saved from wrath, © 
A guilty, self-destroyed, rebellious worm. 








A eae a Vig en a 


‘* NOTHING is certainly known of the genealogy of this 
family prior to the notice of Rev. Tomas WaLiEy, some 
time of St. Mary’s White Chapel, in the county of Middlesex, 
England, who was ejected at the Restoration, and came to 
New England in 1663, in the ship ‘Society,’ and settled at 
Barnstable. The records of the Barnstable Church say: 
‘The Lord was pleased to make him a blessed peacemaker, 
and improve him in the work of his house here, till March 
24: 1677-8, when, at the age of 62, being Lord’s day morn- 
ing, he called him out of his earthly tabernacle into a house 
not made with hands.’ ” 

In the Antiquarian Rooms at Worcester are preserved 
manuscript letters of much interest, written by Mr Walley, 
in which letters he laments the treatment the Indians received. 

The daughter of Major Joun Wattey, his eldest son, 
married the Rev. Dr. Srwatt, for over fifty years pastor 
of the Old South Church, Boston, who was the son of Chief 
Justice Sewatut. The following extract is from the memo- 
randa of Judge Sewall. It was written from Barnstable 


while he was on a visit to that place. 


“View the burying Place. See Mr. Walley’s Epitaph on 


a Rail broken off and tumbled about: so well as could read ~ * 


y* worn Letters, ‘twas this: Here lyeth the body of that 


blessed Son of Peace and Pastor of y® Ch. of Christ, Mr. 


THomas WALLEY, who ended his labors, and fell asleep in 
the Lord, March 21: 1677.” 

His eldest son, JoHN, just referred to, was born in the 
year 1643; came to America in 1663 ; was appointed to digest 
the Plymouth Colony laws in 1671-84; chosen Captain of 
the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1679; 
became a member of the Old South Church, Boston, in 1679; 
a member of the Council in 1687-92. He was appointed 
‘Commander of the land forces in the expedition against 
Canada, in 1690; was made Judge of the Supreme Court of 
Massachusetts in 1700; and died at Boston, January 11, 
1712, aged 69. 

He left a son, JOHN, a merchant, who was on 1691, and 
died in Boston, 1745. 

His oldest son, JOHN, was a minister, who was settled at 
Ipswich, and died without children. 

His second son, THOMAS, was a merchant, and died in 
‘1806, leaving three sons, THomas, CuarLes, and SAMUEL, 
the last of whom is the subject of this Memorial. 














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